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Study on Momentary and Overall Separation Factors in Lithium Isotopes Separation by Batch Electrolysis

Azad, Mohsen | 2015

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  1. Type of Document: M.Sc. Thesis
  2. Language: Farsi
  3. Document No: 47883 (46)
  4. University: Sharif University of Technology
  5. Department: Energy Engineering
  6. Advisor(s): Otukesh, Mohammad; Ahmadi, Javad; Kowsari, Mohammad Reza
  7. Abstract:
  8. Lithium has two stable isotopes, 6Li and 7Li. Abundance of these isotopes are 7.53% and 92.43% respectively. Each isotope has an important role in nuclear industry. For example, 6Li compounds is used in production of tritium in nuclear fusion reactors coated with DT fuel and as fuel in nuclear fusion reactors that operate with laser inertial confinement method applied. 7LiOH is used to adjust the pH of the fluid coolant in light water reactors and also in Breeding Reactors. Lithium isotope separation in different ways so far been brought into operation. The other aspect to this work, it can be both continuous and batch for action. Lithium isotopes for the first time by electrolysis using the amalgam and mercury as cathode and titanium as an anode and a lithium salt dissolved done. Modelling of separation factor of lithium isotopes in a batch electrolysis cell with mercury cathode was subject of the current study. Modelling of this system can help design of the employed system to use in the separation units. The study investigated effects of different operational parameters including current density, and LiOH concentration and then modelling of them to predict the both momentary and overall separation factors. Between the both examined parameters, effect of current density was found to be the more significant than the other. The maximum single stage separation factor achieved in the present work was 1.136, which was obtained by using the current density of “0.184 Amp/cm2”. Theoretical elucidation of the observed phenomena was accomplished using migration-diffusion theory, and the Bell-Gurneys’ mechanism with special attention onto role of the chemical exchange. Accepting this postulate that “when a rate determining step prevails over the kinetics, its corresponding separation factor will determine separation factor of the system” would greatly simplify the theoretical interpretation
  9. Keywords:
  10. Lithium Isotope Separation ; Amalgam ; Electrolysis ; Efficiency ; Overall Separation Factor ; Momentary Separation Factor

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