Patent GB-907657-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in the separation of light and heavy components of a fluid mixture
IPC: B04B5/00
Filed: 1957-06-28
Abstract: <PICT:0907657/III/1> A liquid or gas is separated into its isotopic forms by passing a lamina of the fluid along the inner wall of a tapered rotor, by establishing a temperature gradient across the thickness of the lamina, and by collecting the components whilst still subjected to the gradient and the centrifugal force resulting from the rotation.  Separation of the isotopic forms of water is referred to and may be facilitated by the presence of hydrogen whereby exchange reactions such as <FORM:0907657/III/1> take place, both liquid and gas being present.  A catalyst for these reactions, e.g. Pt or Pd may be present.  Other substances which may be isotopically separated are CO2, NH3 and SO2, and exchange reactions for these substances with water are given.  During separation the lamina may be subjected to high tension electrical discharge or excitement by electromagnetic or ultrasonic waves.  The apparatus shown illustrates alternative forms of heating for producing the temperature gradient, and is adapted for the separation of heavy water from water.  The rotor 10, which is supported by rollers 12, also has its inlet end carried in a bearing 14 and connected to a turbine 15 driven by air or exhaust gases.  A stator 25 protrudes into the rotor and has a bearing 26 coacting with the rotor.  Water to be separated is supplied to the rotor by a passage formed between the inlet and an axially adjustable distributer 27, or by a pipe 33 in the stator connected to a radial outlet 32.  Heating to form the temperature gradient may comprise an electrical heating coil 34, a tube 48 to which hot gases are supplied, a tube 45 fed with combustion air and fuel, or dielectric, induction or infra red heating.  The highest temperature of the gradient may be at the inside or the outside of the lamina which may also be subjected to a temperature gradient extending axially along the rotor.  The heating coils may be adjustable and the exterior of the rotor may have fins. During passage along the rotor some water is evaporated, the resultant vapour passing through relatively adjustable ports 39, 41 for discharge.  The residual water in which the heavy water is concentrated is discharged from the rotor through ports 20 which may be valve controlled.  Liquid from the ports 20 is mixed with cooling fluid whilst passing over a rotary plate 16 and is finally discharged through a pipe 24.  The internal surface of the rotor may carry annular dams or a single helical dam, apertures being provided adjacent the inner surface of the rotor for passage of the water containing the heavy water.  The liquid being separated may be covered with an immiscible film of less dense liquid through which the lighter component may be withdrawn as vapour, or the rotor may have an inner wall adapted to form the inner boundary of the lamina. In a rotor having an inner wall, deuterium enriched gaseous hydrogen is brought into contact with a catalyst within the inner wall, and the gas is pumped through holes in the wall so that said isotope exchange occurs between the deuterium in the gas and the hydrogen in the water.ALSO:A fluid is separated into components by passing a lamina of the fluid along the inner wall of a tapered rotor by establishing a temperature gradient across the thickness of the lamina, and by collecting the components whilst still subjected to the gradient and the centrifugal force resulting from the rotation. The fluid may be liquid or gas and the invention may be applied to the separation of isotopes.  The apparatus shown illustrates alternative forms of heating for producing the temperature gradient, and is adapted for the separation of heavy water from water.  The rotor 10, which is supported by rollers 12, also has its inlet end carried in a bearing 14 and connected to a turbine 15 driven by air or exhaust gases.  A stator 25 protrudes into the rotor and has a bearing 26 coacting with the rotor.  Water to be separated is supplied to the rotor by a passage formed between the inlet and an axially adjustable distributer 27, or by a pipe 33 in the stator connected to a radial outlet 32 Heating to form the temperature gradient may comprise an electrical heating coil 34, a tube 48 to which hot gases are supplied, a tube 45 fed with combustion air and fuel, or dielectric, induction or infra-red heating.  The highest temperature of the gradient may be at the inside or the outside of the lamina which may also be subjected to a temperature gradient <PICT:0907657/II/1> extending axially along the rotor.  The heating coils may be adjustable and the exterior of the rotor may have fins. During passage along the rotor some water is evaporated, the resultant vapour passing through relatively adjustable ports 39, 41 for discharge.  The residual water in which the heavy water is concentrated is discharged from the rotor through ports 20 which may be valve controlled.  Liquid from the ports 20 is mixed with cooling fluid whilst passing over a rotary plate 16 and is finally discharged through a pipe 24.  The internal surface of the rotor may carry annular dams or a single helical dam, apertures being provided adjacent the inner surface of the rotor for passage of the water containing the heavy water.  The liquid being separated may be covered with an immiscible film of less dense liquid through which the lighter component may be withdrawn as vapour, or the rotor may have an inner wall adapted to form the inner boundary of the lamina. In a rotor having an inner wall, deuterium enriched gaseous hydrogen is brought into contact with a catalyst within the inner wall, and the gas is pumped through holes in the wall so that an isotope exchange occurs between the deuterium in the gas and the hydrogen in the water to enhance separation.  The deuterium enriched hydrogen is formed by bringing the light component (steam containing HDO or D2O) into contact with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst.  The separation of isotopes may be enhanced by the simultaneous application of isotope exchanges within the rotor.  In examples the following are produced: <FORM:0907657/II/1> the heavier isotope being stripped from the gas and enriching the ions which are in aqueous solution.  During separation the lamina may be subjected to high tension electrical discharge or excitation in wave form simultaneously with the centrifugal force and temperature gradient. Design formul  and dimensions of the rotor are given in the Specification.