Open AccessSRS history and experience with palladium diffusers. Revision 1
Author(s) -
Ernest Clark,
D.A. Dauchess,
L.K. Heung,
R.L. Rabun,
Theodore Motyka
Publication year - 1995
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/164467
Subject(s) - diffuser (optics) , palladium , hydrogen isotope , inert , engineering , process engineering , environmental science , hydrogen , chemistry , physics , light source , optics , biochemistry , organic chemistry , catalysis
The Savannah River Site (SRS) has processed tritium in support of national defense programs since 1955. Palladium diffusers have been used extensively for separating hydrogen isotopes from inert gases (such as argon, helium, and nitrogen). In almost forty years of service, the design of the diffuser has been steadily improving. Several diffuser designs from different manufacturers have been evaluated at SRS. The operating experience gained from these designs together with failure analyses performed on failed units have led to several recommendations for improved diffuser designs and operating methods. This experience gained at SRS and the following recommendations form the basis of this report. Even though palladium diffuser technology has proven to be reliable, SRS has examined several alternative technologies over the past several years. This report will also review some of these promising alternatives