Deuterium enrichment of ammonia - for heavy water prodn

摘要

Heavy water is prepd using isotopic exchange between N2/H2 mixtures and liquid ammonia. The synthesis gas (N2+3H2) passes through the exchange column to a synthesizer in which about 1/5 is converted to NH3 and returned to the column. The remainder is converted to NH3 in a separate synthesizer. This increases the deuterium content from 24.5 to 32 ppm and avoids the accumulation of inert gases. The drawings of the parent patent which were omitted are included.