Hydrogen isotope separation by bipolar electrolysis with countercurrent electrolyte flow

Conference · Tue Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1980 · Sep. Sci. Technol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6674992

Ramey, D W; Petek, M; Taylor, R D; Fisher, P W; Kobisk, E H; Ramey, J; Sampson, C A

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-; TRN: 81-003086
• Journal Information: Sep. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 15:3; Conference: Symposium on separation science and technology for energy applications, Gatlinburg, TN, USA, 30 Oct 1979
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
HYDROGEN ISOTOPES
ISOTOPE SEPARATION
TRITIUM
COUNTER CURRENT
ELECTROLYSIS
BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
ISOTOPES
LIGHT NUCLEI
LYSIS
NUCLEI
ODD-EVEN NUCLEI
RADIOISOTOPES
SEPARATION PROCESSES
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
400203* - Isotope Exchange & Isotope Separation- (-1987)