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Purification of helium in atomic and molecular gases by cataphoresis

Journal Article · · Chem. Eng. Prog., Symp. Ser.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6715163

The separation of gas mixtures by cataphoresis in a DC glow discharge was experimentally investigated as a function of the discharge current, the total gas pressure, and the initial composition of the gas mixture. The electric field, degree of ionization, and reactor geometry were also considered. Gases under investigation included binary mixtures of helium with argon, neon, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The experimental results for cataphoretic purification were interpreted within the framework of a recently proposed theory for cataphoresis involving an electrostatic Peclet number. Very good agreement was obtained between the theory and the experiment for the magnitude of the cataphoretic purification and the time for the purification. Design criteria were introduced and tested in detail to aid and facilitate the development and construction of future cataphoretic gas separator systems.

Research Organization:
California Inst. of Tech., Pasadena
OSTI ID:
6715163
Journal Information:
Chem. Eng. Prog., Symp. Ser.; (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Eng. Prog., Symp. Ser.; (United States) Vol. 67:112; ISSN CEPSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English