HEAVY WATER STAKES LURE NEW ENTRY

Journal Article · Mon Sep 19 00:00:00 EDT 1960 · Chem. Eng.

OSTI ID:4149786

A description is given of a process for producing heavy water at a cost of .50/lb, including operating costs and 15% capital charges. This cost is compared to the AEC selling price of /lb. The process is based on the principle that deuterium will transfer from H/sub 2/ to ammonia at sub-zero temperatures, but at 212 F will leave the ammonia molecule in preference for hydrogen. The deuterium is extracted catalytically from NH/sub 3/ synthesis (75% H/sub 2/, 25% N/sub 2/) at --40 F by liquid ammonia. The process yields 99.8% D/sub 2/O. The ammonia is returned to the production cycle enriched threefold in N/sup 15/. Future production costs might be reduced if the demand for the N/sup 15/ isotope develops. (B.O.G.)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-14-024450
• OSTI ID: 4149786
• Journal Information: Chem. Eng., Vol. Vol: 67, No. 19; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-60
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ISOTOPE SEPARATION
AMMONIA
DEUTERIUM
DIFFUSION
ECONOMICS
HEAVY WATER
HYDROGEN
LIQUIDS
LOW TEMPERATURE
NITROGEN 15
PRODUCTION
SOLVENT EXTRACTION