Separation system for isotopic gases in a fusion reactor

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of fusion reactors, and discloses a separation system for isotopic gas in a fusion reactor, comprising: a raw material tank, a separation column, a first product tank and a second product tank, the raw material tank being adapted to store mixed gas of light isotope gas and heavy isotope gas; the separation column is formed with a separation channel adapted to the flow of mixed gas, the separation channel having a first section and a second section which can be selectively disconnected; the first product tank is in communication with the first section to store the gas in the first section; the second product tank is in communication with the second section to store the gas in the second section; wherein the separation column comprises a plurality of separation columns arranged in series, the first separation column is in communication with the first section of the second separation column and the first product tank, and the second separation column is in communication with the second section of the first separation column and the second product tank. The separation system for isotopic gas in a fusion reactor designed according to the present application can improve the throughput of mixed gas and the separation efficiency of mixed gas.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of fusion reactors, in particular to a separation system for isotopic gas in a fusion reactor. BACKGROUND

[0002] Nuclear fusion has advantages of large reserves of raw materials, high energy density, non-polluted products, and small radioactivity, and is one of the most potential energy sources for human beings in the future. In the related technology, hydrogen isotope separation technology plays an important role in the tritium processing system of a fusion reactor. In some existing technologies, a separation system can realize hydrogen isotope separation through a cyclic temperature rising and falling process. However, this way has the problems of small single separation amount of mixed gas, long time required for completing mixed gas separation, and low mixed gas separation efficiency. In some other existing technologies, a separation system can realize hydrogen isotope separation through low-temperature rectification. However, the equipment supporting this way has the problems of large volume, gas stagnation in the equipment, difficulty in separate isolation, and easy gas leakage. SUMMARY

[0003] The present application aims at at least solving one of the problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one object of the present application is to provide a separation system for isotopic gas in a fusion reactor. The separation system for isotopic gas in a fusion reactor designed according to the present application can improve the throughput of mixed gas and the separation efficiency of mixed gas.

[0004] The separation system for isotopic gas in a fusion reactor according to the present application comprises: a raw material tank, which is adapted to store mixed gas of light nuclide gas and heavy nuclide gas; a separation column, which is in communication with the raw material tank and has a separation channel formed therein and adapted to flow the mixed gas, the separation channel having a first section and a second section which can be selectively disconnected, the first section being adapted to adsorb one of the light nuclide gas and the heavy nuclide gas, and the second section being adapted to adsorb the other of the light nuclide gas and the heavy nuclide gas; a first product tank, which is in communication with the first section to store the gas in the first section; and a second product tank, which is in communication with the second section to store the gas in the second section; wherein the separation column comprises a plurality of separation columns arranged in series, and in two adjacent separation columns, the first separation column is arranged adjacent to the first product tank, and the second separation column is arranged adjacent to the second product tank; the first separation column is in communication with the first section of the second separation column and the first product tank, and the second separation column is in communication with the second section of the first separation column and the second product tank.

[0005] The separation system for isotope gas in a fusion reactor according to the present application can realize the separation of mixed gas with large flow by designing the separation column as a first section and a second section which can be selectively disconnected, so that the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas can enter the corresponding cavities and be separated after the mixed gas enters the separation column, and increasing the number of separation columns to improve the single separation amount of the mixed gas. At the same time, the number of separation columns in series can be increased, so that the separation system can improve the abundance of the corresponding gas flowing to the first product tank and the second product tank, reduce the tritium retention amount in the separation system, improve the mixed gas throughput and the separation efficiency of the mixed gas in the separation system. Moreover, the separation system is composed of a raw material tank, a plurality of separation columns, a first product tank, a second product tank and the like, each part can have a smaller volume, facilitating the circulation of gas, and each part can be placed and isolated separately, reducing the probability of gas leakage and being safer to use.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present application, the first-stage separation columns are configured in parallel and the first sections of the first-stage separation columns are in communication with the first product tank and the second sections of the first-stage separation columns are in communication with the second-stage separation columns; and / or the second-stage separation columns are configured in parallel and the first sections of the second-stage separation columns are in communication with the first-stage separation columns and the second sections of the second-stage separation columns are in communication with the second product tank.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present application, the separation system for isotope gas in a fusion reactor further comprises a first gas collection tank in communication with the first section of the second-stage separation column and the second section of the first-stage separation column, so that the gas in the first section of the second-stage separation column flows towards the second section of the first-stage separation column; and a second gas collection tank in communication with the second section of the first-stage separation column and the second section of the second-stage separation column, so that the gas in the second section of the first-stage separation column flows towards the second section of the second-stage separation column.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present application, the first gas collection tank and the second gas collection tank correspond to each other and are configured as at least one group, and each group of gas collection tanks is arranged between two adjacent separation columns.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present application, the separation column comprises a wall body in which a separation channel is formed, and a spacing part arranged in the separation channel to selectively separate the separation channel into the first section and the second section.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present application, the wall body is configured as a coil pipe and is provided with a temperature control module adapted to control the temperature of the wall body.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present application, the wall body is provided with a communication port in communication with the separation channel, and one end of the spacer is movably arranged in the communication port to extend into the separation channel.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present application, the wall body is provided with a communication port in communication with the separation channel, and one end of the spacer is movably arranged in the communication port to extend into the separation channel.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present application, the first section is provided with a first adsorption member adapted to adsorb one of the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas, and at least a part of the outer surface of the first adsorption member is in contact with at least a part of the inner wall of the first section; and / or the second section is provided with a second adsorption member adapted to adsorb the other of the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas, and at least a part of the outer surface of the second adsorption member is in contact with at least a part of the inner wall of the second section.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present application, the separation column further comprises a spacer arranged in the separation channel and adapted to pass through the gas, and the spacer is movably arranged in the spacer, and the spacer is adapted to abut against at least one of the first adsorption member and the second adsorption member.

[0015] In summary, according to the separation system for isotope gas in a fusion reactor according to the present application, by designing the separation column to be selectively disconnected from the first section and the second section, the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas can enter the corresponding cavities and be separated after the mixed gas enters the separation column, and the number of separation columns is increased to increase the single separation amount of the mixed gas, so that the separation of the mixed gas with large flow rate is realized. In addition, the number of stages of the separation column arranged in series in the plurality of separation columns can be increased, so that the separation system can improve the abundance of the corresponding gas flowing to the first product tank and the second product tank, reduce the tritium retention amount in the separation system, improve the mixed gas throughput and the separation efficiency of the mixed gas by the separation system, and the separation system is composed of a raw material tank, a plurality of separation columns, a first product tank, a second product tank and the like. Each part can have a smaller volume, facilitate gas flow, and each part can be placed and isolated separately, reduce the probability of gas leakage, and be safer to use.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be made apparent from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description, taken in conjunction with the following drawings in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a separation system structure according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a separation system working process according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a separation column structure according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0021] Reference Signs:

[0022] 1. A separation system;

[0023] 10. A raw material tank;

[0024] 20. A separation column; 20a, a first section; 20b, a second section; 23, a wall; 24, a partition; 25, a first suction member; 26, a second suction member; 27, a spacer;

[0025] 201, a 0th-stage separation column; 202, a 1st-stage separation column; 203, a 2nd-stage separation column; 204, a -1st-stage separation column; 205, a -2nd-stage separation column;

[0026] 31, a first product tank; 32, a second product tank;

[0027] 41, a first gas collection tank; 42, a second gas collection tank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, and in which like or similar numerals indicate like or similar elements or components, which are throughout. The embodiments described below are examples of embodiments of the present application and are not meant to be limiting.

[0029] In the description of the present application, it is to be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and therefore cannot be understood as indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application.

[0030] In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used only for the purpose of description and do not imply or imply relative importance or imply the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first", "second" can explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality of" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] In the present application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "mounting", "connecting", "connecting", "fixing" and the like should be understood broadly, for example, it can be fixedly connected, or it can be detachably connected, or it can be integrated; it can be mechanically connected, or it can be electrically connected or can communicate with each other; it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication or interaction of two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] In the present application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the first feature "on" or "under" the second feature can include the first and second features in direct contact, or the first and second features not in direct contact but in contact through another feature between them. Moreover, the first feature "on", "above" and "above" the second feature includes the first feature directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or only indicates that the first feature is higher than the second feature in horizontal height. The first feature "below", "below" and "below" the second feature includes the first feature directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or only indicates that the first feature is less than the second feature in horizontal height.

[0033] Nuclear fusion has the advantages of large reserves of raw materials, high energy density, non-polluting products, and small radioactivity, and is one of the most potential energy sources for mankind in the future. In related technologies, hydrogen isotope separation technology plays an important role in tritium processing system of fusion reactor. In some existing technologies, the separation system can realize hydrogen isotope separation through a cyclic temperature rising and falling process. However, this way has a small amount of single separation of mixed gas, takes a long time to complete the separation of mixed gas, and has a low efficiency of mixed gas separation. In some other existing technologies, the separation system can realize hydrogen isotope separation through low-temperature rectification. However, the equipment supporting this way has a large volume, gas is prone to be retained in the equipment, it is difficult to isolate alone, and gas leakage is prone to occur.

[0034] Reference is made below to Figures 1-3 A separation system 1 for isotope gas in a fusion reactor according to an embodiment of the present application is described.

[0035] As Figures 1-3As shown, the separation system 1 for isotope gas in a fusion reactor according to the present application comprises a raw material tank 10, a separation column 20, a first product tank 31 and a second product tank 32, the raw material tank 10 is adapted to store mixed gas of light isotope gas and heavy isotope gas; the separation column 20 is in communication with the raw material tank 10 and a separation channel adapted to the flow of mixed gas is formed in the separation column 20, the separation channel has a first section 20a and a second section 20b which can be selectively disconnected, the first section 20a is adapted to adsorb one of the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas, and the second section 20b is adapted to adsorb the other of the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas; the first product tank 31 is in communication with the first section 20a to store the gas in the first section 20a; the second product tank 32 is in communication with the second section 20b to store the gas in the second section 20b; wherein the separation column 20 comprises a plurality of separation columns arranged in series, among the two adjacent separation columns, the first separation column is arranged adjacent to the first product tank 31, and the second separation column is arranged adjacent to the second product tank 32; the first separation column connects the first section 20a of the second separation column with the first product tank 31, and the second separation column connects the second section 20b of the first separation column with the second product tank 32.

[0036] Specifically, the mixed gas of light isotope gas and heavy isotope gas is stored in the raw material tank 10, and the mixed gas is separated into light isotope gas and heavy isotope gas under the multi-stage separation of the separation column 20, and the light isotope gas can be stored in one of the first product tank 31 and the second product tank 32, and the heavy isotope gas can be stored in the other of the first product tank 31 and the second product tank 32.

[0037] More specifically, the first section 20a and the second section 20b are formed in the separation column 20, the first section 20a is adapted to adsorb one of the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas, and the second section 20b is adapted to adsorb the other of the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas, and the first section 20a and the second section 20b can be selectively disconnected, that is, after the mixed gas enters the separation column 20, the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas can be adsorbed by the corresponding cavities, so that the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas are located in different sections of the separation channel, at this time the communication between the first section 20a and the second section 20b can be disconnected to realize the separation of the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas, and since the communication between the first section 20a and the second section 20b has been disconnected, the gas located in the first section 20a will not be mixed with the gas located in the second section 20b, and the gas located in the second section 20b will not be mixed with the gas located in the first section 20a, which can reduce the possibility of re-mixing of the separated gas, improve the separation ratio of the mixed gas, and make the separation of the mixed gas more thorough.

[0038] In some embodiments, the mixed gas first enters the separation channel through the first section 20a, at which time one gas in the mixed gas is preferentially adsorbed by the first section 20a, and the remaining gas flows toward the second section 20b and is adsorbed by the second section 20b, so that the light-nucleus gas and the heavy-nucleus gas are located in different sections of the separation channel, respectively.

[0039] However, when the separation column 20 is single, the separation effect of the separation column 20 on the mixed gas is limited, and the separated light-nucleus gas often carries part of the heavy-nucleus gas, and the separated heavy-nucleus gas often carries part of the light-nucleus gas, and the separation of the mixed gas has high requirements on the structure of the separation column 20, which needs to be precisely designed, affecting the cost of the separation column 20.

[0040] To improve the separation effect of the separation column 20 on the mixed gas, the separation column 20 can be designed as multiple separation columns 20, each of which can perform separation work on the mixed gas, facilitating large-scale production and separation of mixed gas with large flow rate, shortening the residence time of the gas in the separation system 1, and the separation column 20 includes multiple-stage separation columns arranged in series, wherein the first-stage separation column communicates the first section 20a of the second-stage separation column with the first product tank 31 to further separate the gas separated by the first section 20a of the second-stage separation column, and improve the abundance of the gas flowing to the first product tank 31, and the second-stage separation column communicates the second section 20b of the first-stage separation column with the second product tank 32 to further separate the gas separated by the first-stage separation column, and improve the abundance of the gas flowing to the second product tank 32.

[0041] The separation system 1 for the isotope gas in the fusion reactor can be used to separate a hydrogen isotope mixed gas (such as a deuterium-tritium mixed gas), and after the isotope gas distribution gradient is formed in the separation column 20, the light-nucleus hydrogen isotope enrichment zone and the heavy-nucleus hydrogen isotope enrichment zone are separated by the interval part 24.

[0042] According to the separation system 1 for isotope gas in a fusion reactor, by designing the separation column 20 to be selectively disconnected from the first section 20a and the second section 20b, after the mixed gas enters the separation column 20, the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas can enter the corresponding cavities and be separated, and the number of separation columns 20 is increased to improve the single separation amount of the mixed gas, so that the separation of the mixed gas with a large flow rate is realized. In addition, the number of stages of the separation column 20 arranged in series in the plurality of separation columns 20 can be increased, so that the separation system 1 can improve the abundance of the corresponding gas flowing to the first product tank 31 and the second product tank 32, reduce the tritium retention amount in the separation system 1, improve the mixed gas throughput, and improve the separation efficiency of the mixed gas in the separation system 1. In addition, the separation system 1 is composed of a plurality of parts such as the raw material tank 10, the plurality of separation columns 20, the first product tank 31, and the second product tank 32. Each part can have a small volume, facilitate gas flow, and each part can be placed and isolated separately, thereby reducing the probability of gas leakage and improving safety.

[0043] In some existing technologies, the separation system can separate hydrogen isotopes through a cyclic temperature rising and falling process. In the cyclic temperature rising and falling process, the separated gas may flow again due to the change of temperature, which destroys the distribution of the gas and causes incomplete separation of the mixed gas, and the requirement for the temperature rising rate is high.

[0044] In the separation system 1 for isotope gas in a fusion reactor designed in the present application, the separation column 20 is designed to be selectively disconnected from the first section 20a and the second section 20b, so that after the mixed gas enters the separation column 20, the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas can enter the corresponding cavities and be separated, which can reduce the possibility of mixing of the separated gas again, improve the separation ratio of the mixed gas, and make the separation of the mixed gas more complete.

[0045] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 1 The first-stage separation column is configured as a plurality of parallel arrangements, the first sections 20a of the plurality of first-stage separation columns are in communication with the first product tank 31, and the second sections 20b of the plurality of first-stage separation columns are in communication with the second-stage separation column. The second-stage separation column is configured as a plurality of parallel arrangements, the first sections 20a of the plurality of second-stage separation columns are in communication with the first-stage separation column, and the second sections 20b of the plurality of second-stage separation columns are in communication with the second product tank 32. Specifically, at least one separation column 20 can be designed as a plurality of separation columns 20, so that the plurality of separation columns 20 at this stage can perform the separation of the mixed gas, and the plurality of separation columns at each stage are in communication with the adjacent stage, so as to improve the single separation amount of the mixed gas at this stage, thereby improving the separation efficiency of the mixed gas.

[0046] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 1As shown, the isotope gas separation system 1 for the fusion reactor further comprises a first gas collecting tank 41 and a second gas collecting tank 42. The first gas collecting tank 41 is in communication with the first section 20a of the second stage separation column and the second section 20b of the first stage separation column, so that the gas in the first section 20a of the second stage separation column flows towards the second section 20b of the first stage separation column. The second gas collecting tank 42 is in communication with the second section 20b of the first stage separation column and the second section 20b of the second stage separation column, so that the gas in the second section 20b of the first stage separation column flows towards the second section 20b of the second stage separation column.

[0047] Here, the first gas collecting tank 41 is in communication with the first section 20a of the second stage separation column and the second section 20b of the first stage separation column, so that the gas in the first section 20a of the second stage separation column flows towards the second section 20b of the first stage separation column, so as to separate the gas separated by the first section 20a of the second stage separation column again, further separate the gas separated by the first section 20a of the second stage separation column, and improve the abundance of the gas flowing to the first product tank 31. The second gas collecting tank 42 is in communication with the second section 20b of the first stage separation column and the second section 20b of the second stage separation column, so that the gas in the second section 20b of the first stage separation column flows towards the second section 20b of the second stage separation column, so as to separate the gas separated by the second section 20b of the first stage separation column again, further separate the gas separated by the second section 20b of the first stage separation column, and improve the abundance of the gas flowing to the second product tank 32.

[0048] The different gas collecting tanks are arranged to guide different gases for further separation, which can improve the effect of gas separation, thereby improving the abundance of the gas flowing to the corresponding product tank.

[0049] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 1 As shown, the first gas collecting tank 41 and the second gas collecting tank 42 correspond to each other and are configured as at least one group, and each two adjacent stages of separation columns are provided with a group of gas collecting tanks. That is, each two adjacent stages of separation columns are provided with a group of gas collecting tanks to guide different gases of the adjacent two stages of separation columns for further separation, and each stage of separation columns can include a plurality of separation columns 20, and at this time, the corresponding gas collecting tank can serve to collect the gas in the plurality of separation columns 20 of each stage.

[0050] In Figure 1 , Figure 2In the specific embodiment shown, the separation column 20 has five stages, namely a 0th stage separation column 201, a 1st stage separation column 202, a 2nd stage separation column 203, a -1st stage separation column 204, and a -2nd stage separation column 205, and the 0th stage separation column 201 has four separation columns 20, the 1st stage separation column 202 and the -1st stage separation column 204 each have two separation columns 20, and the 2nd stage separation column 203 and the -2nd stage separation column 205 each have one separation column 20. Each two adjacent stages of the separation columns 20 are correspondingly provided with a group of gas collecting tanks.

[0051] The separation system 1 mainly includes a raw material tank 10, a plurality of groups of gas collecting tanks, a first product tank 31, a second product tank 32, and five separation columns. The raw material tank 10 has gas inlet and outlet interfaces, the gas inlet is configured to receive mixed gas to be separated, and the gas outlet is provided with a mass flow controller. Each group of gas collecting tanks includes a first gas collecting tank 41 and a second gas collecting tank 42, and each gas collecting tank has gas inlet and outlet interfaces, the gas inlet is configured to receive semi-product mixed gas discharged from the separation column, and the gas outlet is provided with a mass flow controller. The first product tank 31 and the second product tank 32 each have gas inlet and outlet interfaces, the gas inlet of the first product tank 31 is configured to receive tritium product gas, and the gas inlet of the second product tank 32 is configured to receive deuterium product gas.

[0052] In the five separation columns, the 0th stage separation column 201 can receive mixed gas, semi-product gas enriched by the 1st stage separation column 202, and semi-product gas enriched by the -1st stage separation column 204, and then supply the enriched semi-product gas to the 1st stage separation column 202 and supply the depleted semi-product gas to the -1st stage separation column 204. The 1st stage separation column 202 receives semi-product gas enriched by the 0th stage separation column 201 and semi-product gas depleted by the 2nd stage separation column 203, and then supplies the enriched semi-product gas to the 2nd stage separation column 203 and supplies the depleted semi-product gas to the 0th stage separation column 201. The -1st stage separation column 204 receives semi-product gas depleted by the 0th stage separation column 201 and semi-product gas enriched by the -2nd stage separation column 205, and then supplies the enriched semi-product gas to the 0th stage separation column 201 and supplies the depleted semi-product gas to the -2nd stage separation column 205. In summary, semi-product gas enriched n times and depleted m times is the raw material of the n-mth stage separation column.

[0053] In addition, the separation column 20 is provided with a spacing part 24 to selectively disconnect the first section 20a and the second section 20b. The spacing part 24 can be an electric valve. The separation column 20 is further provided with a first valve and a second valve, the first valve is adapted to control the communication between the first section 20a and the external structure, and the second valve is adapted to control the communication between the second section 20b and the external structure.

[0054] And, each gas collection tank is further provided with a third valve body and a fourth valve body, the third valve body is adapted to control the communication between the gas collection tank and one of the two adjacent separation columns and to control the gas into the gas collection tank, and the fourth valve body is adapted to control the communication between the gas collection tank and the other of the two adjacent separation columns and to control the gas out of the gas collection tank.

[0055] For example, the third valve body of the first gas collection tank 41 between the 0th separation column 201 and the 1st separation column 202 can be communicated with the first section 20a of the 0th separation column 201, and the fourth valve body can be communicated with the second section 20b of the 1st separation column 202; the third valve body of the second gas collection tank 42 between the 0th separation column 201 and the 1st separation column 202 can be communicated with the second section 20b of the 1st separation column 202, and the fourth valve body can be communicated with the second section 20b of the 0th separation column 201.

[0056] The separation columns are connected by the gas collection tanks, and the gas transfer pump and the flow control meter are arranged on the pipeline.

[0057] In the initial state, the hydrogen isotope mixed gas is placed in the raw material tank 10, all the valves are closed, there is no hydrogen isotope gas in all the gas collection tanks, and all the separation columns are at low temperature.

[0058] Single separation of the 0th separation column: open the valves V20, V21, V22, V23, V24 and the intermediate isolation valves (V0_1, V0_2, V0_3, V0_4) of the 0th separation column, and the hydrogen isotope gas in the raw material tank is transferred to the 0th separation column (S0_1, S0_2, S0_3 and S0_4) under the power driving (pressure difference, transfer pump). Through flow regulation (such as flow control meter), equal amounts of hydrogen isotope gas enter the S0-1, S0-2, S0-3 and S0-4 separation columns.

[0059] After the adsorption of the separation column reaches a certain degree, the intermediate isolation valves (V0_1, V0_2, V0_3, V0_4) of the 0th separation column and V24 are closed. Then V13, V14, V15, V16, V17 and V25 are opened respectively.

[0060] The hydrogen isotope gas in the 0th separation column is released by changing the temperature, the second section 20b of the 0th separation column is enriched with the hydrogen isotope gas, and the first section 20a is enriched with the hydrogen isotope gas. The hydrogen isotope gas is collected into the gas collection tank 5, and the hydrogen isotope gas is collected into the gas collection tank 4. The transfer process can be powered by a gas transfer pump.

[0061] After the gas in the separation column is completely released, the valves V13, V14, V15, V16, V17 and V25 are closed. And the temperature of the 0th separation column is lowered to a low temperature state by the temperature control module.

[0062] The above operation completes the single separation of the 0th separation column.

[0063] 0th separation column and ±1th separation column separation: after the 0th separation column work, the gas tank 4, 5 in the enriched, depleted of tritium hydrogen isotope gas, respectively, can be used as 1th and-1th separation column raw material, the second separation.

[0064] 0, ±1th separation column initial state, V20, V21, V22, V23 valve open, the rest of the valve is closed, all separation column in a low temperature state.

[0065] V24 and 0th separation column between the isolation valve (V0_1, V0_2, V0_3, V0_4), V18, V9, V10 and 1th separation column between the isolation valve (V1_1, V1_2), V26, V32, V33 and-1th separation column between the isolation valve (V-1_1, V-1_2) are opened respectively.

[0066] The hydrogen isotope gas in the raw material tank is transferred to the 0th separation column (S0_1, S0_2, S0_3 and S0_4) under the power of differential pressure and transfer pump. Through flow control (such as flow control meter), equal amount of hydrogen isotope gas is introduced into S0-1, S0-2, S0-3 and S0-4 separation columns.

[0067] The hydrogen isotope gas in the gas collection tank 4 is transferred to the 1th separation column (S1_1, S1_2) under the power of differential pressure and transfer pump. Through flow control (such as flow control meter), equal amount of hydrogen isotope gas is introduced into S1-1 and S1-2 separation columns.

[0068] The hydrogen isotope gas in the gas collection tank 5 is transferred to the-1th separation column (S-1_1, S-1_2) under the power of differential pressure and transfer pump. Through flow control (such as flow control meter), equal amount of hydrogen isotope gas is introduced into S-1-1 and S-1-2 separation columns.

[0069] When the adsorption of the separation columns reaches a certain degree, the 0th separation column intermediate isolation valve (V0_1, V0_2, V0_3, V0_4) and V24, the 1th separation column intermediate isolation valve (V1_1, V1_2) and V18, the-1th separation column intermediate isolation valve (V-1_1, V-1_2) and V26 are closed, and then V13, V14, V15, V16, V17 and V25, V5, V6, V7 and V11, V27, V28, V29 and V31 are opened respectively.

[0070] By changing the temperature, the hydrogen isotope gas in the 0th, 1th and-1th separation columns is released respectively, and the second segment 20b of the depleted tritium hydrogen isotope gas is collected into the gas collection tank 5, the gas collection tank 3 and the gas collection tank 7 respectively, and the first segment 20a of the enriched tritium hydrogen isotope gas is collected into the gas collection tank 4, the gas collection tank 2 and the gas collection tank 6 respectively, and the transfer process can be powered by a gas transfer pump.

[0071] After the gas in the separation column is completely released, close the V13, V14, V15, V16, V17 and V25 valves, V5, V6, V7 and V11, V27, V28, V29 and V31 valves. And reduce the temperature of 0, ±1 level separation column to low temperature state through temperature control module.

[0072] The above operation completes the single separation of 0 and ±1 level separation columns.

[0073] 0, ±1 and ±2 level separation columns work together: after the 0 and ±1 level separation columns work, the gas tanks 4, 5 are filled with the tritium-containing hydrogen isotope gas enriched and depleted once, which can be used as the raw material of the 1st and-1st separation columns for the 2nd separation; the gas tanks 2, 7 are filled with the tritium-containing hydrogen isotope gas enriched and depleted twice, which can be used as the raw material of the 2nd and-2nd separation columns for the 3rd separation; the gas tanks 3, 6 are filled with the tritium-containing hydrogen isotope gas enriched and depleted once, which can be used as the raw material of the 0th separation column for the 4th separation.

[0074] In the initial state of the 0, ±1 and ±2 level separation columns working together, the V20, V21, V22 and V23, V9 and V10, V32 and V33 valves are opened, and the remaining valves are closed. All the separation columns are in a low temperature state.

[0075] Open V24 and the intermediate isolation valve (V0_1, V0_2, V0_3, V0_4) of the 0th separation column, V18 and the intermediate isolation valve (V1_1, V1_2) of the 1st separation column, V26 and the intermediate isolation valve (V-1_1, V-1_2) of the-1st separation column, V2, V8 and the intermediate isolation valve (V2_1) of the 2nd separation column, V34, V38 and the intermediate isolation valve (V-2_1) of the-2nd separation column.

[0076] The hydrogen isotope gas in the raw material tank 10, the gas tank 6 and the gas tank 3 migrates to the 0th separation column (S0_1, S0_2, S0_3 and S0_4) under the power drive (pressure difference, transfer pump). Through flow control (such as flow control meter), equal amounts enter S0-1, S0-2, S0-3, S0-4 separation columns.

[0077] The hydrogen isotope gas in the gas tank 4 migrates to the 1st separation column (S1_1, S1_2) under the power drive (pressure difference, transfer pump). Through flow control (such as flow control meter), equal amounts enter S1-1, S1-2 separation columns.

[0078] The hydrogen isotope gas in the gas tank 5 migrates to the-1st separation column (S-1_1, S-1_2) under the power drive (pressure difference, transfer pump). Through flow control (such as flow control meter), equal amounts enter S-1-1, S-1-2 separation columns.

[0079] The hydrogen isotope gas in the gas collection tank 2 is transferred to the 2nd stage separation column (S2_1) under the power drive (pressure difference, transfer pump). It enters the S2_1 separation column at a uniform speed through flow regulation (such as a flow control meter).

[0080] The hydrogen isotope gas in the gas collection tank 7 is transferred to the -2nd stage separation column (S-2_1) under the power drive (pressure difference, transfer pump). It enters the S-2_1 separation column at a uniform speed through flow regulation (such as a flow control meter).

[0081] When the adsorption of the separation column reaches a certain degree, the 0th stage separation column intermediate isolation valves (V0_1, V0_2, V0_3, V0_4) and V24, the 1st stage separation column intermediate isolation valves (V1_1, V1_2) and V18, the -1st stage separation column intermediate isolation valves (V-1_1, V-1_2) and V26, the 2nd stage separation column intermediate isolation valves (V2_1) and V8, the -2nd stage separation column intermediate isolation valves (V-2_1) and V34 are closed. Then V13, V14, V15, V16, V17 and V25, V5, V6, V7 and V11, V27, V28, V29 and V31, V1 and V3, V39 and V35 are opened respectively.

[0082] By changing the temperature, the hydrogen isotope gas in the 0th, 1st, -1st, 2nd and -2nd stage separation columns is released respectively, and the second section 20b of the depleted tritium-containing hydrogen isotope gas is collected into the gas collection tank 5, the gas collection tank 3, the gas collection tank 7, the gas collection tank 1 and the deuterium product tank respectively. The first section 20a of the enriched tritium-containing hydrogen isotope gas is collected into the gas collection tank 4, the gas collection tank 2, the gas collection tank 6, the tritium product tank and the gas collection tank 8 respectively. The transfer process can be powered by a gas transfer pump.

[0083] After the gas in the separation column is completely released, V13, V14, V15, V16, V17 and V25, V5, V6, V7 and V11, V27, V28, V29 and V31, V1 and V3, V39 and V35 are closed. The temperature of the 0th, ±1st and ±2nd stage separation columns is lowered to a low temperature state by the temperature control module.

[0084] The above operations complete the common separation of the 0th, ±1st and ±2nd stage separation columns.

[0085] Each separation column of the separation system 1 can separate the hydrogen isotope gas to a certain degree, through multiple separation columns, the tritium in the hydrogen isotope gas can be accumulated and enriched multiple times from the direction of -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, and the tritium in the hydrogen isotope gas can be accumulated and depleted multiple times from the direction of 2, 1, 0, -1, -2. Finally, by repeating the common separation mode of the 0, ±1 and ±2 separation columns, the hydrogen isotope gas in the raw material tank can be continuously separated into the tritium product tank with higher tritium abundance and the deuterium product tank with higher deuterium abundance.

[0086] In the scheme, the 0, ±1 and ±2 system cascades are exemplified, the number of separation columns can be adjusted according to the composition of the raw gas and the abundance requirement of the product gas, or the multiple separation columns in the separation system 1 can be twice connected in series to adjust the separation efficiency of the mixed gas and the abundance requirement of the product gas.

[0087] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 3 The separation column 20 includes a wall body 23 and a spacing part 24, the wall body 23 forms a separation channel, and at least part of the spacing part 24 is arranged in the separation channel to selectively separate the separation channel into a first section 20a and a second section 20b. Here, the spacing part 24 can be designed in the wall body 23 of the separation column 20, and the first section 20a and the second section 20b are separated or connected by the movement (such as rotation, translation, etc.) of the spacing part 24. Alternatively, the spacing part 24 is designed with selectively openable and closable gas holes, and the first section 20a and the second section 20b are separated by controlling the closing of the gas holes, or the first section 20a and the second section 20b are connected by controlling the opening of the gas holes.

[0088] According to some embodiments of the present application, the wall body 23 is configured as a coil pipe and is provided with a temperature control module, the temperature control module is suitable for controlling the temperature of the wall body 23, and the temperature of the wall body 23 can be quickly raised and lowered to separate the gas, and multiple separation columns 20 can share the temperature control system to realize independent or cooperative rapid temperature rising and falling of different separation columns 20. Here, the separation column 20 is a long pipe, which is long and suitable for mixed gas flow, and can fully separate the mixed gas during the flow of the mixed gas, and the long pipe is coiled to form a coil pipe, which can reduce the space occupation of the separation column 20 and miniaturize the separation system 1.

[0089] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 3 The wall body 23 is provided with a communication port communicating with the separation channel, and one end of the spacing part 24 is movably arranged in the communication port to extend into the separation channel, that is, the first section 20a and the second section 20b are separated or connected by the movement of the spacing part 24 at the communication port, to separate the light nucleus gas and the heavy nucleus gas.

[0090] In some embodiments, the partition 24 is an electric valve body, and the partition 24 can be driven to move electrically to realize the remote partitioning or connection of the first section 20a and the second section 20b, realize the automatic operation of the separation system 1, and improve the automation degree of the separation system 1.

[0091] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 3 The wall body 23 is provided with a first gas port and a second gas port at two ends in the extending direction, the first section 20a is in communication with the first gas port, and the second section 20b is in communication with the second gas port. The partition 24 is adapted to move in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the wall body 23 to partition the separation channel into the first section 20a and the second section 20b. Specifically, the first gas port can communicate the first section 20a with an external structure, and the second gas port can communicate the second section 20b with the external structure. The first gas port and the second gas port are respectively located at the two ends of the wall body 23 in the extending direction, so that the separated different gases can flow in different directions, avoiding the mixing of different gases again, and improving the separation efficiency.

[0092] In some embodiments, a first valve body is arranged at the first gas port, and the first valve body is adapted to control the communication of the first section 20a with the external structure through the first gas port. A second valve body is arranged at the second gas port, and the second valve body is adapted to control the communication of the second section 20b with the external structure through the second gas port.

[0093] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 3 The first section 20a is provided with a first adsorption member 25 adapted to adsorb one of the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas, and at least part of the outer surface of the first adsorption member 25 is attached to at least part of the inner wall of the first section 20a. The second section 20b is provided with a second adsorption member 26 adapted to adsorb the other of the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas, and at least part of the outer surface of the second adsorption member 26 is attached to at least part of the inner wall of the second section 20b. Here, the adsorption member can be an adsorption separation material with hydrogen isotope effect, such as positive hydrogen isotope effect palladium-loaded alumina pellets, palladium-loaded diatomite pellets, or 4A molecular sieve (liquid nitrogen temperature) with negative hydrogen isotope effect. The adsorption member adsorbs one of the mixed gases, so that the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas can be separated. Moreover, the adsorption member can be attached to at least part of the inner wall of the corresponding cavity to sufficiently adsorb the gas flowing through the cavity, and improve the separation effect of the mixed gas.

[0094] Further, the adsorption member is generally a porous medium, allowing the hydrogen isotope gas to pass through the gap, and its mechanical structure is stable, and will not cause particle breakage and pulverization after temperature rise and fall cycles, and will not cause the separation channel to be blocked.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first section 20a and the second section 20b are respectively provided with a first adsorption member 25 and a second adsorption member 26, and the first adsorption member 25 and the second adsorption member 26 can be made of different materials to respectively adsorb the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas, so as to separate the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas.

[0096] In other embodiments, only one of the first section 20a and the second section 20b is provided with an adsorption member. If the first adsorption member 25 is provided in the first section 20a, the mixed gas can be introduced from the first gas port, at this time, the mixed gas first flows through the first section 20a, one kind of gas in the mixed gas is adsorbed by the first adsorption member 25, and the other kind of gas continues to flow along the separation channel to the second section 20b, then the spacer 24 is started to separate the first section 20a and the second section 20b, so that the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas are separated; if the second adsorption member 26 is provided in the second section 20b, the mixed gas can be introduced from the second gas port, at this time, the mixed gas first flows through the second section 20b, one kind of gas in the mixed gas is adsorbed by the second adsorption member 26, and the other kind of gas continues to flow along the separation channel to the first section 20a, then the spacer 24 is started to separate the first section 20a and the second section 20b, so that the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas are separated.

[0097] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 3 The separation column 20 further comprises a spacer 27 arranged in the separation channel and adapted to pass the gas, the spacer 24 is movably arranged in the spacer 27, and the spacer 27 is adapted to abut against at least one of the first adsorption member 25 and the second adsorption member 26. Here, the spacer 27 is arranged in the separation channel and adapted to abut against at least one of the first adsorption member 25 and the second adsorption member 26 to separate the first section 20a and the second section 20b, and to support at least one of the first adsorption member 25 and the second adsorption member 26, so as to avoid that the adsorption member affects the movement of the spacer 24. The spacer 27 is generally a gaseous pad with supporting capacity, and the material thereof is not limited, and can be made of hard stainless steel.

[0098] In the low-temperature state, the mixed gas is introduced into the separation channel. Due to the adsorption effect of the adsorption column 20, one kind of gas in the mixed gas is preferentially adsorbed and distributed on the side where the mixed gas enters, and the other kind of gas in the mixed gas can migrate to the other end of the separation channel and be distributed on the side away from the mixed gas entering side. After the isotope gas distribution gradient is formed in the adsorption column 20, the light isotope hydrogen enrichment area and the heavy isotope hydrogen enrichment area are separated by the interval part 24. After the adsorbed hydrogen isotope gas in the adsorption column 20 is desorbed, it is discharged from the first gas port and the second gas port on both sides of the adsorption column 20 and enters the corresponding gas collection tank. Under the action of the multi-stage adsorption column in the separation system 1, the hydrogen isotope gas can be enriched (depleted) continuously for multiple times. The semi-product gas enriched for n times and depleted for m times is the raw material gas of the n-m stage adsorption column. The multi-stage adsorption columns in the separation system 1 work in coordination, and each temperature rising and falling cycle realizes the injection of the raw material gas from the 0 stage adsorption column and the output of the deuterium (tritium) product gas from the highest stage adsorption column.

[0099] According to the composition of the raw material gas and the abundance requirement of the product gas, the number of stages of the adsorption column can be adjusted, and the multi-stage adsorption columns in the separation system 1 can be connected in series to adjust the separation efficiency of the mixed gas and the abundance requirement of the product gas.

[0100] According to the separation system 1 for isotope gas in a fusion reactor, the first section 20a and the second section 20b of the adsorption column 20 can be selectively disconnected, so that the light isotope gas and the heavy isotope gas can enter the corresponding cavity and be separated after the mixed gas enters the adsorption column 20. The number of adsorption columns 20 is increased to improve the single separation amount of the mixed gas, realize the separation of the mixed gas with large flow rate, and increase the number of stages of the adsorption columns 20 connected in series in the multiple adsorption columns 20. The separation system 1 can improve the abundance of the corresponding gas flowing to the first product tank 31 and the second product tank 32, reduce the tritium retention amount in the separation system 1, improve the mixed gas throughput and the separation efficiency of the mixed gas in the separation system 1, and the separation system 1 is composed of the raw material tank 10, the multiple adsorption columns 20, the first product tank 31, the second product tank 32 and the like. Each part can have a smaller volume, facilitate gas flow, and each part can be placed and isolated separately, reduce the gas leakage probability, and have higher safety.

[0101] In the description of the specification, reference to "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "an example", "a specific example", or "some examples" means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic being described is included in at least one embodiment or example of the application. The appearances of the above expressions in various places in the specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, the various embodiments or examples described in this specification are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

[0102] Although embodiments of the application have been shown and described above, various modifications, changes, substitutions, and variations can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the application.

Claims

1. A separation system for isotopic gases in a fusion reactor, characterized in that, include: Raw material tank (10), wherein the raw material tank (10) is suitable for storing a mixture of light nuclide gas and heavy nuclide gas; A separation column (20) is connected to the raw material tank (10) and a separation channel suitable for the flow of mixed gas is formed inside the separation column (20). The separation channel has a first section (20a) and a second section (20b) that can be selectively disconnected. The first section (20a) is suitable for adsorbing one of light nuclide gas and heavy nuclide gas, and the second section (20b) is suitable for adsorbing the other of light nuclide gas and heavy nuclide gas. A first product tank (31) is connected to the first section (20a) to store the gas in the first section (20a); A second product tank (32) is connected to the second section (20b) to store the gas in the second section (20b); wherein The separation column (20) includes multiple separation columns arranged in series. In two adjacent separation columns, the one adjacent to the first product tank (31) is the first-stage separation column, and the one adjacent to the second product tank (32) is the second-stage separation column. The first-stage separation column connects the first section (20a) of the second-stage separation column to the first product tank (31), and the second-stage separation column connects the second section (20b) of the first-stage separation column to the second product tank (32).

2. The system for separation of isotopic gases for use in a fusion reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first-stage separation columns are constructed as multiple columns arranged in parallel, with the first section (20a) of each column connected to the first product tank (31), and the second section (20b) of each column connected to the second-stage separation column; and / or The second-stage separation column is constructed as multiple columns arranged in parallel. The first section (20a) of each of the multiple second-stage separation columns is connected to the first-stage separation column, and the second section (20b) of each of the multiple second-stage separation columns is connected to the second product tank (32).

3. The system for separation of isotopic gases for use in a fusion reactor according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The first gas collecting tank (41) is connected to the first section (20a) and the second section (20b) of the second-stage separation column, respectively, so that the gas in the first section (20a) of the second-stage separation column flows toward the second section (20b) of the first-stage separation column; The second gas collection tank (42) is connected to the second section (20b) of the first-stage separation column and the second section (20b) of the second-stage separation column, so that the gas in the second section (20b) of the first-stage separation column flows toward the second section (20b) of the second-stage separation column.

4. The system for separation of isotopic gases for use in a fusion reactor according to claim 3, wherein, The first gas collecting tank (41) and the second gas collecting tank (42) are one-to-one and are constructed as at least one set, with one set of gas collecting tanks provided for every two adjacent separation columns (20).

5. The system for separation of isotopic gases according to claim 1, wherein, The separation column (20) comprises: The wall (23) has the separation channel formed therein; A partition (24) is arranged in the separation channel to selectively partition the separation channel into the first section (20a) and the second section (20b).

6. The system for separation of isotopic gases according to claim 5, wherein, The wall (23) is configured as a coil pipe and is provided with a temperature control module adapted to control the temperature of the wall (23).

7. The system for separation of isotopic gases according to claim 5, wherein, The wall (23) is provided with a communication port in communication with the separation channel, and one end of the partition (24) is movably arranged in the communication port to extend into the separation channel.

8. The system for separation of isotopic gases according to claim 7, characterized in that, The wall (23) is provided with a first gas port and a second gas port at two ends in the extending direction, respectively, the first section (20a) is in communication with the first gas port, and the second section (20b) is in communication with the second gas port, and the partition (24) is adapted to move in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the wall (23) to partition the separation channel into the first section (20a) and the second section (20b).

9. The system for separation of isotopic gases according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first section (20a) is provided with a first adsorption member (25) adapted to adsorb one of the light nuclide gas and the heavy nuclide gas, at least a part of the outer surface of the first adsorption member (25) is in contact with at least a part of the inner wall of the first section (20a); and / or The second section (20b) is provided with a second adsorption member (26) adapted to adsorb the other of the light nuclide gas and the heavy nuclide gas, at least a part of the outer surface of the second adsorption member (26) is in contact with at least a part of the inner wall of the second section (20b).

10. The system for separation of isotopic gases according to claim 9, characterized in that, The separation column (20) further comprises: A spacer (27) is arranged in the separation channel and is adapted to pass through the gas, the partition (24) is movably arranged in the spacer (27), and the spacer (27) is adapted to abut against at least one of the first adsorption member (25) and the second adsorption member (26).

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