A method and system for extracting helium-3 from heavy water moderator mixed gas

By purifying, cryogenically distilling and dehydrogenating the heavy water moderator mixed gas, the problem of helium-3 extraction was solved, and efficient, low-cost production of high-quality helium-3 gas was achieved, thereby improving the yield and gas quality of helium-3.

CN117623242BActive Publication Date: 2025-09-30CHINA INSTITUTE OF ATOMIC ENERGY
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202311507729.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-11-13
Publication Date
2025-09-30
Estimated Expiration
2043-11-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Helium-3 is extremely rare and difficult to obtain, and existing technology makes it difficult to efficiently extract high-quality helium-3 gas.

Method used

By purifying, cryogenic pre-distilling, cryogenic distilling and dehydrogenating the heavy water moderator mixed gas, water, water vapor, CO2, N2, O2, hydrocarbons, helium-4 gas and hydrogen isotope combination gas are gradually removed. High-purity helium-3 gas is separated and extracted by adopting technical means such as catalytic oxidation, cryogenic cooling, cryogenic adsorption, palladium membrane permeation and ultra-cold adsorption.

Benefits of technology

It improves the production and gas quality of helium-3, enhances energy utilization, reduces acquisition costs, provides a new way to obtain helium-3, and obtains high-purity helium-3 gas.

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Abstract

The present invention provides a method and system for extracting helium-3 from a heavy water moderator gas mixture. The extraction method includes a purification process, a cryogenic pre-distillation process, a cryogenic distillation process, and a dehydrogenation process. The extraction method of the present invention can extract helium-3 produced by tritium decay in the heavy water moderator, providing a new approach for obtaining helium-3 and thereby increasing helium-3 production. Furthermore, the helium-3 extraction method of the present invention has the advantages of an advanced process, a high degree of separation, and high-quality helium-3 gas. The helium-3 produced during the operation of the heavy water reactor can be fully recovered, thereby improving energy utilization.
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