Hydrogen isotope mixture separation process - splits water into currents for exchange with deuterium and protium

摘要

The process separates a hydrogen isotope mixture into two or more fractions by catalytic exchange between water and gaseous hydrogen, followed by low-temperature rectification of the hydrogen. The water to be prepared is split into two currents, one of which is brought into exchange with a hydrogen current comprising deuterium and tritium, these enriching the water. The other is brought into exchange with a hydrogen current of protium. The two hydrogen currents are by rectification then divided into a fraction consisting of deuterium and tritium and one consisting of protium, and returned as hydrogen currents to the exchange process.