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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method and apparatus for regenerating cold traps within liquid-metal systems

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7358600
Oxide and hydride impurities of a liquid metal such as sodium are removed from a cold trap by heating to a temperature at which the metal hydroxide is stable in a molten state. The partial pressure of hydrogen within the system is measured to determine if excess hydride or oxide is present. Excess hydride is removed by venting hydrogen gas while excess oxide can be converted to molten hydroxide through the addition of hydrogen. The resulting molten hydroxide is drained from the trap which is then returned to service at cold trap temperatures within the liquid-metal system.
Assignee:
Energy Research and Development Administration
Patent Number(s):
US 3941586
OSTI ID:
7358600
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English