METHOD OF SEPARATING ISOTOPES Russian patent published in 1997 - IPC

FIELD: isotope separation. SUBSTANCE: hydrogen isotope mixture is successively passed through contact sections of separation column displacing the latter relative to stationary phase stream reversal units in direction opposite to travel direction of mixture being separated in those contact sections. In another embodiment of invention, phase stream reversal units and reagent inlet and outlet points are displaced relative to stationary contact sections filled with solid material. When isotopes are being separated in gas media, as solid material, synthetic and natural zeolites, activated carbon, modified carbon sorbents, and silica gel are utilized. When in liquid media, strong-acid sulfonic acid and weak-acid carboxylate cathionites are chosen. Exhausted material is regenerated by way of in-turn displacement of contact sections and phase stream reversal units relative to each other. When separation in gas media is carried out, material is regenerated via evacuation to 0.1-1 mm Hg and/or heating to temperature exceeding that of separation by 180-400 C; when in liquid media, via washing of contact sections involving H⁺,H^-,Meⁿ⁺-ion exchange. Contact sections with regenerated material are returned into beginning of cycle. Regeneration products, partially or completely, are removed from separation column. Coefficient of separation attained is 1.008-2.1, separation degree 1.07-1.670. EFFECT: enhanced efficiency of separation. 5 cl, 1 tbl