Hydrogen Isotope Exchange Tests in Support of HT-TCAP (U)
Hydrogen isotope exchange kinetics of Pd/k was tested in laboratory scale columns to help troubleshoot the HT-TCAP performance problem. The main objective was to evaluate the effects of old and new Pd/k, column diameter, and metal foam on hydrogen isotope exchange efficiency. This efficiency affects the separation performance of the TCAP column. Three kinds of columns were used in the tests: (1) 3/4 inch pipe, 6 inch long, U-shape column. This column was used because it was readily available due to a completed PDRD project. This group of tests compared new Pd/k and old Pd/k, and produced a bake-out recipe for new Pd/k. (2) 3-ft long columns of various diameters: 3/4 inch, 1.25 inch and 2 inch with and without foam (aluminum and copper). This group of tests compared the effect of diameter, foam and Pd/k on staging performance. (3) The Jacobs coil, an existing 20-ft coil filled with Al foam identical to HT-TCAP. This group of tests was to see how a plant-type column performed. The following methods and computer programs were developed to help evaluate the test data: (1) An equation and a visual basic program for calculating response curves to step changes in inert feed concentration. (2) A finite difference method and a visual basic program for calculating response curves to step changes in hydrogen isotope concentration. (3) A finite difference method and a visual basic program for calculating response curves to pulse changes in hydrogen isotope concentration. The pulse response test and calculation were found most useful for comparing the isotope exchange performance of Pd/k packed columns. Increasing column diameter from 1.25 inch to 2 inch reduced the number of equilibrium stages by about 40 percent. Aluminum foam and copper foam did not reduce the number of stages. The new Pd/k required much more bake-out and absorption/desorption cycles before it could reach the same exchange kinetics as the old Pd/k.
- Research Organization:
- Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-96SR18500
- OSTI ID:
- 839355
- Report Number(s):
- WSRC-TR-2004-00402; TRN: US200514%%475
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 15 Jul 2004
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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