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A PROCESS FOR THE SEPARATION OF ISOTOPES OF ALKALI METALS AND APPARATUS FOR CARRYING OUT THIS PROCESS

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4808244
A process and an apparatus are described for separating by counter- current electromigration the isotopes of alkali metals, especially lithium. The process comprises causing a stream of fused alkali nitrate to flow between an anode and a cathode counter-current to the cation electromigration at a speed between the speeds of the fastest and slowest cations, and regenerating the nitrate from the alkali metal deposited at the cathode by addition of nitric acid vapor. The passage between the cathode and anode compartments is filled with a packing of a powdered material to suppress convection currents. An embodiment of the apparatus is described for the separation of Li/sup 6/ and Li/sup 7/. (D.L.C.)
Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-16-009126
OSTI ID:
4808244
Report Number(s):
GB 888884
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English