Improved Hydrogen Isotope Separation Topic: 24c

The separation of hydrogen's three isotopes (hydrogen, deuterium, and tritium) is of key importance for fusion power technology. Separation systems must produce all three isotopes with high isotopic purity. Performance of isotope separation system has a strong influence on operation of several systems in the tritium plant including the plasma purification system, storage and delivery system, and water de-tritiation system. Modification of the active separator material in parallel with a microchannel design were expected to result in a separator system with lower precious metal content and better separation efficiency. These improvements have the potential to reduce the system size, cost, and volume. A Phase I program showed the proposed fabrication method was effective separating hydrogen isotopes (H2 and D2) and was amenable to significantly reducing manufacturing cost. A prototype modular separation unit was assembled demonstrating a pathway to commercialization. A Phase II program is focused on optimizing the fabrication methods for the active separator material, optimizing the microchannel design, and producing a 1 SPLM separator unit. A technical model to describe the separation process as well as a manufacturing cost model will be developed. Longer term testing to include all three isotopes will be examined. Applications include use in nuclear fusion research systems, nuclear waste processing, and isotope production. The proposed method is also viable for pure hydrogen separation for space applications, natural gas process facility operators, semiconductor manufacturers, and commercial gas suppliers.