Why is the Ames process performed in a sealed refractory-lined container?

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Enrichment of uranium — uranium processing How uranium is enriched to make a nuclear weapon.

The Ames process is performed in a sealed, refractory-lined container—often referred to as a "bomb"—primarily because the vapor pressure of magnesium metal is extremely high at the reaction temperature of 1,300 °C (2,375 °F).1

By utilizing a sealed container, the process prevents the loss of magnesium vapor, ensuring that the reduction of uranium tetrafluoride (UF₄) can proceed effectively. During the reaction, the heat generated is sufficient to liquefy the contents, resulting in the production of high-quality metallic uranium and a magnesium fluoride (MgF₂) slag.1