Highly pure hydrogen or helium by condensa - tion of gaseous impurities

摘要

A gas mixture having a high content (90-98%) of hydrogen or helium is introduced into a gas centrifuge at low temps. (-64 to 100 degrees C) and high pressure (10-50 atm.). The conditions are chosen such that the introduced gas mixture is above its dew point, but passes this point when caused to stream towards the centrifuge circumference by centrifugal force. The increase in pressure and decrease in concentration of the hydrogen or helium result in condensation of gaseous impurities, which are collected at the circumference. A nitrogen - containing gas mixture treated in this manner is pref. obtained from a mixture containing nitrogen and methane by condensation at low temps.