Recovery tool for recovering a solid element, in particular a radioactive material, comprising a capture head and a cup

A method for recovering a solid element, which is a radioactive material, by a recovery tool comprising:

• a chassis;
• a capture head which is movable relative to the chassis between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the capture head is housed inside an enclosure of the recovery tool in the retracted position, and wherein in the extended position, the capture head is for capturing the solid element;
• and
• at least one bucket which is movable relative to the chassis between an opening position and a closing position, wherein the capture head is in an extended position when the bucket is in the opening position, wherein the bucket is in an opening position when the capture head is in the extended position, and
• wherein the capture head is in the retracted position to retain the solid element inside the enclosure when the bucket is in the closing position, wherein the bucket is in the closing position when the capture head is in the retracted position, and
• wherein the capture head comprises a cushion which is inflatable by a fluid, wherein the capture head is configured to retain the solid member relative to the chassis at least partially by suction by at least partially emptying the cushion of fluid,
• the method for recovering the solid element comprising:
• a step of capturing the solid element, comprising depressurising the capture head to retain the solid element relative to the capture head, moving the capture head from its extended position to its retracted position, and closing the at least one bucket to retain the solid element inside the enclosure of the recovery tool.