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Title: Separative analyses of a chromatographic column packed with a core-shell adsorbent for lithium isotope separation

Journal Article · · Fusion Science and Technology
DOI:https://doi.org/10.13182/FST14-T85· OSTI ID:22429772
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Nagoya University, Fro-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya (Japan)

Lithium-6 is used as a blanket material for sufficient tritium production in DT fueled fusion reactors. A core-shell type adsorbent was proposed for lithium isotope separation by chromatography. The mass transfer model in a chromatographic column consisted of 4 steps, such as convection and dispersion in the column, transfer through liquid films, intra-particle diffusion and and adsorption or desorption at the local adsorption sites. A model was developed and concentration profiles and time variation in the column were numerically simulated. It became clear that core-shell type adsorbents with thin porous shell were saturated rapidly relatively to fully porous one and established a sharp edge of adsorption band. This is very important feature because lithium isotope separation requires long-distance development of adsorption band. The values of HETP (Height Equivalent of a Theoretical Plate) for core-shell adsorbent packed column were estimated by statistical moments of the step response curve. The value of HETP decreased with the thickness of the porous shell. A core-shell type adsorbent is, then, useful for lithium isotope separation. (authors)

OSTI ID:
22429772
Journal Information:
Fusion Science and Technology, Vol. 67, Issue 3; Conference: TRITIUM 2013: 10. International Conference on Tritium Science and Technology, Nice Acropolis (France), 21-25 Oct 2013; Other Information: Country of input: France; 7 refs.; ISSN 1536-1055
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English