Apparatus and method for concentrating hydrogen isotopes

Abstract

An electrochemical hydrogen isotope concentrating apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an inlet stream of the hydrogen isotope to be concentrated. The apparatus also includes an electrochemical cell that includes a hydron exchange membrane containing hydrons of the hydrogen isotope, an anode on a first side of the hydron exchange membrane in fluid communication with the inlet stream, a cathode on a second side of the hydron exchange membrane, and an electrical circuit connection between the anode and the cathode. The apparatus further includes two outlet streams: a first outlet stream of the hydrogen isotope in fluid communication with the cathode, and a second outlet stream depleted of the hydrogen isotope in fluid communication with the anode.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 385,787, filed Sep. 9, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]Isotopes of hydrogen, including deuterium and tritium, are useful in a wide variety of commercial and industrial processes such as to advantageously improve the properties of a wide variety of products including food and nutrition products, agricultural products, semiconductors, fiber optics, optoelectronics, and others. While there is a strong desire to include these isotopes in numerous products and processes, such use has generally been hindered by the relative scarcity of the isotopes.[0003]As such, there is a need for new processes and equipment to recycle these isotopes or otherwise purify fluids containing these isotopes in high purity so that they can be used or re-used in the processes in which they are employed.BRIEF DESC...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an apparatus and process for concentrating hydrogen isotopes. The apparatus includes an electrochemical cell with a hydron exchange membrane and an anode and cathode. The process involves delivering a fluid containing the hydrogen isotope to the membrane and removing two streams: one with concentrated hydrogen isotope and one with depleted hydrogen isotope. The apparatus can be used to produce high purity hydrogen isotope products. The process can also involve delivering water containing the hydrogen isotope to the membrane and recycling or recovering the water. The technical effects of the invention include efficient and effective concentration of hydrogen isotopes and production of high purity products.

Problems solved by technology

While there is a strong desire to include these isotopes in numerous products and processes, such use has generally been hindered by the relative scarcity of the isotopes.

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