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Title: Apparatus for separating and recovering hydrogen isotopes

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7203158

An apparatus is described for recovering hydrogen and separating its isotopes. The apparatus includes a housing bearing with at least a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A baffle is disposed within the housing, attached thereto by a bracket. A hollow conduit is coiled about the baffle, in spaced relation to the baffle and the housing. The coiled conduit is at least partially filled with a hydride. The hydride can be heated to a high temperature and cooled to a low temperature quickly by circulating a heat transfer fluid in the housing. The spacing between the baffle and the housing maximizes the heat exchange rate between the fluid in the housing and the hydride in the conduit. The apparatus can be used to recover hydrogen isotopes (protium, deuterium and tritium) from gaseous mixtures, or to separate hydrogen isotopes from each other. 2 figures.

Assignee:
Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5312597; A
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-967491
OSTI ID:
7203158
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 28 Oct 1992
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English