Hydrogen isotope separation by bipolar electrolysis with countercurrent electrolyte flow
Separation of hydrogen isotopes has been successfully demonstrated using bipolar electrolysis combined with electrolyte flow countercurrent to the transport of hydrogen isotope species. Use of multibipolar electrode cells in a squared-off cascade is shown theoretically to be capable of efficient tritium separation. Experimental operation of multibipolar cells and analysis of their operation by McCabe-Thiele techniques is described. Palladium-25% silver alloy was found to be suitable as a material for bipolar electrodes permitting high hydrogen throughput with chemical and mechanical stability. Bipolar separation factors, at high current density, using NaOH (NaOD) as the electrolyte, are large (..cap alpha../sub DT/ = 2.0, ..cap alpha../sub HT/ = 11 at 90/sup 0/C). Calculated mass transfer, as determined using a squared-off cascade model, together with observed electrical power consumption suggest that about 21 percent less power will be required for bipolar electrolytic separation as compared with normal electrolysis. This estimate only represents the present level of development. Separation of tritium from light and heavy water using the bipolar electrolysis process appears to offer significant advantages as compared with direct electrolysis. The simplicity and efficiency of the multibipolar cell offer great potential for designing a very compact separation facility which, in turn, will minimize containment cost when high tritium concentrations are encountered.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
- OSTI ID:
- 6674992
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-7910108-
- Journal Information:
- Sep. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Sep. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 15:3; ISSN SSTED
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
400203* -- Isotope Exchange & Isotope Separation-- (-1987)
BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
COUNTER CURRENT
ELECTROLYSIS
HYDROGEN ISOTOPES
ISOTOPE SEPARATION
ISOTOPES
LIGHT NUCLEI
LYSIS
NUCLEI
ODD-EVEN NUCLEI
RADIOISOTOPES
SEPARATION PROCESSES
TRITIUM
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES