Application of ideal temperature gradient technology to optimize the chemical exchange and distillation process of boron isotopes separation by (CH3)2O-BF3 complex

• Modification the method of boron isotopes separation by chemical exchange and distillation.
• Application continuous, accurate and customizable temperature gradient technology.
• Increasing the separation factor of 1.016–1.026 for each theoretical stage of column.
• Reducing the total cost of boron isotope separation process to 66.67%.

To exert the optimum effect, the chemical exchange process to boron isotope separation was investigated. In this enrichment method the distillation of dimethyl ether-boron trifluoride complex, which was one of the most efficient industrial methods for purification of isotope boron-10, was optimized. In chemical exchange process of boron isotopes separation two chemical reactions occur. The first one is the decomposition reaction that is an endothermic reaction. The second one is the exchange reaction that is a pyrogenic reaction. With increasing temperature, the decomposition reaction is speeded while the exchange reaction is slowed down. Affecting on both decomposition and exchange reactions, the temperature gradient of column is very important. The separation column is covered by 18 tubular electrical heaters with 350 W power. Each electrical heater is controlled by a separated monitor controller. The monitor controlling system can apply accurate, continuous and various vertical temperature gradients of distillation column. The highest separation factor for each theoretical stage was determined 1.026 at Tbp = 92 °C and ∂T/∂Z = 7.56 °C/m. Tbp of complex in industrial plant of boron enrichment is 97 °C and the maximum separation factor for a theoretical stage was recorded 1.016 in uncontrolled temperature gradient of distillation column.

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