Liquid Thermal Diffusion Research

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: AD0896862 | Open PDF

Abstract:

A study has been made of the liquid thermal diffusion method of separating uranium isotopes. In the course of the research 29 diffusion columns have been built and tested. At present a 14 unit pilot plant is undergoing tests. Separations between end fractions of 45.5 have been obtained by the use of two 48 ft columns connected in series. This series pair is capable of producing two fractions of UF6, 1 kg of each, possessing an isotope separation factor of 1.2. Work to date shows the apparatus to be unusually dependable and capable of long time trouble free operation. Separation of uranium isotopes on a large scale by the method is a practical possibility. The initial cost for a 1 kg 90 U235 per day plant is estimated. The various other methods of isotope separation are discussed. Liquid thermal diffusion compares favorably with any of them. An alternative to the 1 kg 90 U235 plant is presented. This involves the preparation of large amounts of 1.6 U235 and its use by the Chicago group. Potentialities for improvement of separation factor and relaxation time have not been exhausted. Further research work is desirable before the design of a large plant is attempted.

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