A crucible apparatus includes a crucible and one or more induction coils arranged around the crucible. Upon application of electric power to the one or more induction coils, a first thermal zone is generated in at least a first portion of the crucible and a second thermal zone is generated in at least a second portion of the crucible, wherein a first thermal characteristic of the first thermal zone is different from a second thermal characteristic of the second thermal zone.

According to one aspect of the invention, a system to separate salt from uranium. The system has a vessel, a heater, a pump, and a condenser. The vessel is adapted to receive a uranium that has a salt concentration. The heater heats the uranium for a period of time, causing the salt to turn into a salt vapor and the uranium to melt. The melted uranium releases the salt vapor. The pump circulates an inert gas that carries the salt vapor away from the melted uranium. The condenser is adapted to receive the salt vapor.

According to one aspect of the invention, a system to separate salt from uranium. The system has a vessel, a heater, a pump, and a condenser. The vessel is adapted to receive a uranium that has a salt concentration. The heater heats the uranium for a period of time, causing the salt to turn into a salt vapor and the uranium to melt. The melted uranium releases the salt vapor. The pump circulates an inert gas that carries the salt vapor away from the melted uranium. The condenser is adapted to receive the salt vapor.