Closed loop reflux system

摘要

Sulfur isotopes are continuously separated and enriched using a closed loop reflux system wherein sulfur dioxide (SO2) is reacted with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or the like to form sodium hydrogen sulfite (NaHSO3). Heavier sulfur isotopes are preferentially attracted to the NaHSO3, and subsequently reacted with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) forming sodium hydrogen sulfate (NaHSO4) and SO2 gas which contains increased concentrations of the heavier sulfur isotopes. This heavy isotope enriched SO2 gas is subsequently separated and the NaHSO4 is reacted with NaOH to form sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) which is subsequently decomposed in an electrodialysis unit to form the NaOH and H2SO4 components which are used in the aforesaid reactions thereby effecting sulfur isotope separation and enrichment without objectionable loss of feed materials.