ISSN:
0001-1541
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Chemical Engineering
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
Notes:
The objective of this investigation was to study the separation of krypton and xenon from nuclear reactor atmospheres by selective permeation through silicone rubber capillaries. Effective permeability coefficients for pure krypton xenon, nitrogen, and oxygen were determined between 0 and 40°C and at pressure differences across the capillary walls (Δp) of up to 3.45 × 105 N/m2 (50 psi). The silicone rubber capillaries had an O.D. of 635 μm (0.025 in.) and an I.D. of 305 μm (0.012 in.), and were pressurized externally. The effective permeability coefficients decreased with increasing Δp, due to the elastic deformation of the capillaries, in general agreement with a deformation analysis of thick-walled elastic tubes.Gas separation studies were made with a Kr-Xe-N2-O2 mixture in a permeator containing a bundle of silicone rubber capillaries. The permeator had an effective permeation area of 0.480 m2 (5.165 ft2) at a packing density of 4132 m2m3 permeator volume (1260 ft2/ft3), and was operated in a countercurrent mode. The separation studies were conducted at -10 and 20°C and at three Δp values. The separation achieved in the permeator at Δp's of 1.38 × 105 N/m2 (20 Ib/in.2) and 2.07 × 105 N/m2 (30 Ib/in.2) was in good agreement with that predicted from a theoretical model of a permeation stage with countercurrent flow. At 3.45 × 105 N/m2 (50 Ib/in.2), the separation approached that predicted from a “perfect mixing” model. This behavior probably was due to local collapses of the capillaries at weak spots in their walls, as was evidenced also by a sharp increase in the axial pressure drop inside the capillaries.
Additional Material:
15 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aic.690260602
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