Tracer studies for determining dispersion coefficients in isotope exchange columns.

摘要

Tracer studies were run in ion exchange columns to determine dispersion coefficients. These coefficients are applicable to N15(minus)N14 isotope separation by displacement band chromatography. In conjunction with a model that describes the mass conservation of such a system, the feasibility of this separation method can be estimated. The traces were run at superficial velocities between 0.0487 and 0.2436 cm/s in three columns with diameters of 0.66, 1.0, and 2.54 cm. Dispersion coefficients were obtained in the range of 0.00319 to 0.0302 cm(sup 2)/s. These coefficients were extracted by the method of moments from traces of a nonabsorbing but porous matrix. Dispersion increased as flow rate and column diameter increased, although dependence on column diameter was not strong. 15 refs., 11 figs., 3 tabs.