Gas centrifuge purge method
A method of separating isotopes in a high speed gas centrifuge is presented. A vertically oriented cylindrical rotor bowl is adapted to rotate about its axis within an evacuated chamber, and an annular molecular pump having an intake end and a discharge end encircles the uppermost portion of the rotor bowl. The molecular pump is attached along its periphery in a leak-tight manner to the evacuated chamber. End cap closure means are affixed to the upper end of the rotor bowl, and a process gas withdrawal and insertion system enters the bowl through the end cap closure means. The evacuated chamber, molecular pump, and end cap define an upper zone at the discharge end of the molecular pump, and the evacuated chamber, molecular pump, and rotor bowl define a lower annular zone at the intake end of said molecular pump. The method for removing gases from the upper and lower zones during centrifuge operation with a minimum loss of process gas from the rotor bowl is described.
- Assignee:
- Energy Research and Development Administration
- Patent Number(s):
- US 3946942
- OSTI ID:
- 7345973
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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