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PROCESS FOR RECOVERING THE CATALYST IN AN INSTALLATION FOR THE ENRICHMENT OF AMMONIA IN DEUTERIUM

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4119004

A process was developed for recovering the catalyst in an installation for enrichment of ammonia in deuterium by isotopic exchange between hydrogen and liquid ammonia in the presence of an alkali metal amide catalyst. The enriched ammonia containing amide catalyst or an aqueous extract thereof is electrolyzed in an electrolyzer having alkali metal amalgam as the cathode so as to transfer the alkali metal of the amide to the amalgam. Then the amalgam is used as the anode in a second electrolyzer containing as the electrolyte ammonia of lower deuterium concentration than the enriched ammonia, so that the alkali metal passes from the amalgam into the ammonia of lower deuterium concentration. The formation of alkali metal amide is catalyzed either in this electrolyzer or in a separate receiver. The resulting solution of amide in ammonia is used for isotopic exchange. (M.C.G.)

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-18-012115
OSTI ID:
4119004
Report Number(s):
GB 950200
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English