Separation of Krypton and Xenon from Reactor Atmospheres by Selective Permeation. Final Report

摘要

The removal of krypton and xenon from nuclear reactor atmospheres by permeation through silicone rubber capillaries has been studied theoretically and experimentally. Permeator modules resembling shell-and-tube heat exchangers have been constructed and tested. Permeation cascades were designed for the removal of krypton and xenon from the following nuclear atmospheres: (a) the atmosphere of a reactor containment building after a nuclear accident; (b) the off-gas of a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant; and (c) the cover gas of a liquid-metal-cooled fast breeder reactor. Design criteria are presented for the separation of multicomponent mixtures with large separation factors. The performance of ''ideal'' cascades, in which the concentrations of a key component are matched in mixing interstage streams, is compared with that of cascades with constant stage cuts. The removal of krypton and xenon from reactor atmospheres in permeation cascades with silicone rubber capillaries is a potentially attractive process because of its safety and reliability. Permeator modules are compact and sturdy and a permeation plant could be easily transported to the scene of a nuclear accident. (ERA citation 04:023125)