Chemistry: electrical and wave energy – Processes and products – Electrostatic field or electrical discharge
Patent
1990-01-05
1993-02-02
Niebling, John
Chemistry: electrical and wave energy
Processes and products
Electrostatic field or electrical discharge
20429912, B01D 5702, B01D 6142
Patent
active
051835428
ABSTRACT:
Both a method and apparatus for separating zirconium isotopes by balanced ion migration in a counterflowing electrolyte are disclosed herein. In the method of the invention, zirconium chloride is dissolved in a solution of HCl, and a voltage of between 2 and 50 volts is applied across the electrolyte to create a flow of zirconium ions toward the cathode, and a counterflow of chlorine ions toward the anode which is balanced such that the lighter weight isotopes of zirconium migrate toward the cathode while the heavier weight zirconium isotopes stay in the vicinity of the anode. The apparatus of the invention includes a polarizing assembly formed from a bundle of small diameter glass tubes aligned between the anode and the cathode. The internal shape of the tubes impedes kinetic agitation movement of the zirconium ions in all directions except in the direction between the anode and the cathode, thereby expediting the separation process. Glass frits are used to partition off the electrolyte in the region of both the anode and the cathode so that the isotopes which eventually accumulate in these regions may be drawn off with a minimum of fluid agitation.
REFERENCES:
patent: Re26913 (1970-06-01), Lewis et al.
patent: 3907521 (1975-09-01), McConnell
patent: 4290855 (1981-09-01), O'Farrell
patent: 4323439 (1982-04-01), O'Farrell
patent: 4389292 (1983-06-01), Phillips et al.
patent: 4487629 (1984-12-01), Siddall
patent: 4490225 (1984-12-01), Lahoda et al.
patent: 4496445 (1985-01-01), Nadalin et al.
patent: 4568436 (1986-02-01), Feichtner et al.
patent: 4584183 (1986-04-01), Chiang et al.
patent: 4612097 (1986-09-01), Jackovitz et al.
patent: 4752372 (1988-06-01), Rhodes et al.
patent: 4767513 (1988-08-01), Peterson et al.
"The Concentration of 39K and 41K by Balanced Ion Migration in a Counterflowing Electrolyte", Science, vol. 104, pp. 136-137, Aug. 1946.
Jackovitz John F.
Kunkle Richard P.
Peterson Steven H.
Koestner Caroline
Niebling John
Westinghouse Electric Corp.
LandOfFree
Apparatus and method for separating zirconium isotopes using bal does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Apparatus and method for separating zirconium isotopes using bal, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Apparatus and method for separating zirconium isotopes using bal will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-5440