Design, manufacturing and testing of Pd-membranes and membrane reactors for detritiation processes

摘要

Pd-based dense membranes are used to separate hydrogen isotopes with infinite selectivity. Membrane modules have been studied for several detritiation processes in the fuel cycle of fusion reactors: plasma exhaust treatment, tritium extraction from the breeding blanket and detritiation of highly tritiated water. The proper design of Pd-membrane modules has to take into account the hydrogen/metal interaction, the hydrogen mass transfer mechanisms through metals and the related isotopic effect. In this work, the recent applications of ENEA laboratories in the field of Pd-membranes are reported. Mainly modelling, design, manufacturing and characterization of tubular Pd-Ag membranes arranged in finger-like configuration within stainless steel modules are described. The innovative mechanical design of membrane reactors permitted to ensure high stability and reliability and to achieve good performances in terms of decontamination factors. The Pd-membrane technology developed in the fusion R&D activities has been also applied for the production of ultrapure hydrogen for other energetic applications (i.e. PEM fuel cells). Examples of technological fall-out of these studies concern the development of Pd-membrane reformer for the production of hydrogen from hydrocarbons, alcohols and biomass.