Mathematical Modeling of Heat Transfer in Pu-238 Ion Exchange Columns

摘要

The safety of increased Pu-238 loading on the larger ion exchange columns to be installed in the H-Canyon Frames was examined from the standpoint of the temperature increase of a fully-loaded column, following a flow interruption. A mathematical model incorporating self-heating and resin degradation was developed. Transient temperature profiles generated by this model indicate that the column loading limits may be safely scaled up in proportion to the column diameters. This model was also used to demonstrate that a short agitation period following an incomplete product elution step will appreciably decrease the maximum temperature rise of the resin bed. (ERA citation 13:014173)