The Jet Membrane Process for Uranium Separation and Enrichment.
Abstract
The jet membrane is a new aerodynamic separation concept for enriching uranium. The project described in this report had two objectives: 1) to demonstrate experimentally that uranium isotopes can be separated using the jet membrane concept, and 2) to make an assessment of the economic viability of the jet membrane in relation to competing processes. To address the first objective a laboratory suitable for handling UF6 was outfitted, a jet membrane apparatus compatible with UF6 was constructed, and a mass spectrometer capable of providing the necessary precision for UF6 isotope measurements was purchased. Isotopic enrichment of both SF6 and UF6 was successfully demonstrated in our laboratory using the jet membrane apparatus. To aid in addressing the second objective two separate laboratory facilities were constructed. Program supporting experiments were conducted in these laboratories, using a variety of gas combinations, to investigate those system parameters that were identified in our economics analysis as major capital and energy cost drivers. In addition, a theoretical study was conducted to aid in analyzing data and to provide scaling laws. Our cost analysis, based upon the measured UF6 results and the supporting experiments, indicates that the jet membrane is a viable concept for enriching uranium industrially. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA076907
Entities
People
- John W. Brook
- Vincent Calia
Organizations
- Grumman