Coupled xenon isotope separation and neon and helium purification and separation device and use method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a device for coupling xenon isotope separation and neon and helium purification and separation and a use method thereof, which are based on multiple non-low-temperature gas separation technologies, realize coupling of efficient enrichment of xenon isotope raw material gas and purification of air separation crude neon and helium under a non-low-temperature condition through cooperation of multiple stages of modules, including thermal coupling and intermediate material coupling, and realize high-efficiency enrichment of xenon isotope raw material gas and purification of air separation crude neon and helium under a non-low-temperature condition. Crude neon and helium generated in the process are fully utilized, energy consumption and operation complexity are remarkably reduced, and the development advantage can be further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of rare gas separation technology, specifically to an apparatus and method for using a coupled xenon isotope separation and neon-helium purification separation. Background Technology

[0002] Air separation, or air separation for short, refers to the process of separating oxygen, nitrogen, and rare gases such as argon and helium from air using technologies such as deep freezing, adsorption, or membrane separation. In the process of extracting rare gases from air, the different boiling points of the gases are utilized to often obtain a crude neon-helium mixture with a lower boiling point, crude argon with a medium boiling point, and crude xenon with a higher boiling point. These are then further separated to obtain individual rare gas products.

[0003] Helium is widely used in many fields due to its extremely low boiling point and good thermal conductivity. Therefore, improving the efficiency and purity of neon-helium separation technology has important economic and social significance. The mainstream process for neon-helium separation is cryogenic distillation, which has problems such as complex equipment process design, high energy consumption, and extremely high equipment insulation requirements. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a more efficient and lower-cost separation method. Non-cryo methods have become a research hotspot due to the following advantages: (1) room temperature operation, no need for cryogenic equipment, and low energy consumption; (2) simple equipment, low investment and maintenance costs; (3) high flexibility, high degree of automation, fast start-up, and easy adjustment.

[0004] Xenon gas has wide applications in the medical field, and in recent years it has been rapidly developing from traditional anesthesia to cutting-edge areas such as neuroprotection and precision diagnosis. In the field of medical diagnostics, 129 Xe / 136 The applications of xenon are even more unique. This isotope, in a hyperpolarized state, can be inhaled by patients, allowing for clear images of the lungs and trachea to be obtained using conventional MRI equipment. Furthermore, xenon can dissolve in the bloodstream, thus creating images of the circulatory system. This property makes… 129 Xenon is of great practical value in medical diagnosis, particularly in the diagnosis of lung and circulatory system diseases. Besides its medical applications, xenon isotopes also play an important role in industry and research. For example, xenon lamps... 136 Xe has been used as a detector for studying neutrinoless double-Beta decay. This application not only provides a new tool for nuclear physics research, but also provides a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of potential new energy sources in the future.

[0005] To further enhance its competitive advantage, the two processes of xenon isotope separation using a non-cryo-temperature method and neon-helium purification and separation can be coupled. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a device and method for coupling xenon isotope separation and neon-helium purification and separation. Based on a variety of non-cryogenic gas separation technologies, it realizes the efficient enrichment of xenon isotope raw gas and the purification and upgrading of crude neon-helium gas under non-cryogenic conditions, including thermal coupling and intermediate material coupling, which can further enhance the development advantages.

[0007] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide an apparatus for coupling xenon isotope separation and neon-helium purification separation, the apparatus comprising a xenon isotope separation system, a neon-helium purification separation system, and a heat exchanger A for achieving thermal coupling between the two.

[0009] The xenon isotope separation system includes a xenon purification module η and a xenon isotope separation module θ. Xenon gas flows sequentially through the xenon purification module η, the heat exchanger A, and the xenon isotope separation module θ.

[0010] The neon-helium purification and separation system includes a vortex generator. The inlet of the vortex generator is used to introduce a neon-helium mixture. The heavy component gas flowing out of the heavy component outlet of the vortex generator flows sequentially through the heat exchanger A and the three-way valve C. The first outlet of the three-way valve C is connected to the inlet of the xenon purification module η, and the second outlet of the three-way valve C is connected to the inlet of the vortex generator. The light component gas flowing out of the light component outlet of the vortex generator flows sequentially through a hydrogen removal device, the gas separation membrane of the heat exchanger A, the three-way valve A, and a nitrogen adsorption device. The light component outlet of the gas separation membrane is connected to the inlet of the three-way valve A, the heavy component outlet of the gas separation membrane is connected to the inlet of the gas separation membrane, the first outlet of the three-way valve A is connected to the inlet of the xenon isotope separation module θ, and the second outlet of the three-way valve A is connected to the inlet of the nitrogen adsorption device.

[0011] It should be noted that the heat exchanger A is used to achieve coupled heat exchange between related materials, which is a conventional setting in this field and will not be elaborated further here.

[0012] This invention relates to an integrated device for Xe isotope separation and neon-helium purification and separation, which can achieve efficient separation of Xe isotopes and purification of neon-helium under non-cryogenic conditions. The device of this invention couples multiple non-cryogenic gas separation methods and integrates Xe isotope and neon-helium separation into the same device by creating a multi-path process flow, which greatly improves the separation efficiency.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gas separation membrane includes a gas separation membrane A and a gas separation membrane B connected in series. The heavy outlet of the gas separation membrane A is connected to the helium circulation purification system, the light outlet of the gas separation membrane A is connected to the inlet of the gas separation membrane B, the heavy outlet of the gas separation membrane B is connected to the inlet of the gas separation membrane A, and the light outlet of the gas separation membrane B is connected to the inlet of the three-way valve A.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nitrogen adsorption device includes nitrogen adsorption device A and nitrogen adsorption device B connected in parallel.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, a three-way valve B is provided on the outlet pipeline of the xenon gas flowing sequentially through the xenon gas purification module η and the heat exchanger A; the first inlet of the three-way valve B is connected to the outlet of the xenon gas purification module η, the second inlet of the three-way valve B is used to introduce fresh high-purity nitrogen E-2, and the outlet of the three-way valve B is connected to the inlet of the xenon isotope separation module θ.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a booster A is provided on the pipeline connecting the heavy outlet of the gas separation membrane and the inlet of the gas separation membrane.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a booster B is provided on the pipeline connecting the first outlet of the three-way valve A to the inlet of the xenon isotope separation module θ.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a booster C is provided on the pipeline connecting the second outlet of the three-way valve C to the inlet of the vortex generator.

[0019] A second objective of this invention is to provide a method of using the apparatus for coupled xenon isotope separation and neon-helium purification separation as described in the first objective. The method of using the apparatus for coupled xenon isotope separation and neon-helium purification separation includes the following steps:

[0020] Xenon gas enters the xenon purification module η for deoxygenation. After deoxygenation, the gas is heated by heat exchanger A and then enters the xenon isotope separation module θ for xenon isotope separation.

[0021] A neon-helium mixture enters a vortex generator for vortex separation. The resulting heavy component gas is heated by heat exchanger A and then enters a three-way valve C, causing the heated heavy component gas to separate into two parts: a coupling gas E-1 and a vortex separation return gas. The resulting light component gas enters a hydrogen removal device for hydrogen removal. The dehydrogenated gas is cooled by heat exchanger A and then enters a gas separation membrane for helium enrichment. The heavy gas with less helium returns to the gas separation membrane for helium enrichment again, while the light gas with more helium enters a three-way valve A, causing the light gas with more helium to separate into a coupling gas E-3 and a nitrogen adsorption feed gas. The nitrogen adsorption feed gas enters a nitrogen adsorption device for nitrogen adsorption, and the resulting gas enters a neon-helium purification system and / or a neon recovery system.

[0022] The coupling gas E-1 enters the xenon purification module η for hydrogen removal, so that xenon deoxygenation and coupling gas E-1 dehydrogenation are carried out simultaneously; the coupling gas E-3 enters the xenon isotope separation module θ, which is used to mix lighter helium molecules, so that heavier xenon molecules can flow at high speed, thereby achieving xenon isotope separation.

[0023] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gas separation membrane includes a gas separation membrane A and a gas separation membrane B connected in series, such that the gas after hydrogen removal from the hydrogen removal device is cooled by heat exchanger A and then undergoes a first nitrogen removal and a second nitrogen removal in sequence; the heavy gas obtained from the first nitrogen removal enters the helium cycle purification system, the light gas obtained from the first nitrogen removal undergoes the second nitrogen removal, the heavy gas obtained from the second nitrogen removal returns to the inlet of gas separation membrane A to undergo the first nitrogen removal again, and the light gas obtained from the second nitrogen removal enters the three-way valve A.

[0024] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, a three-way valve B is installed on the outlet pipe of the xenon gas flowing sequentially through the xenon gas purification module η and the heat exchanger A, so that the fresh high-purity nitrogen gas E-2 is mixed with the gas after deoxygenation from the xenon gas purification module η, and can work synergistically with the coupling gas E-3 to achieve xenon isotope separation.

[0025] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the method of using the apparatus for coupled xenon isotope separation and neon-helium purification separation satisfies at least one of the following (1)-(5):

[0026] (1) Xenon as raw material gas, Xe≥99.999% (V / V);

[0027] (2) In the neon-helium mixture used as raw material gas, φ(N2+H2)≤42.98%(V / V), and the remainder is Ne and He;

[0028] (3) Before entering the xenon purification module η, the split ratio of coupling gas E-1 to xenon is 0.27-0.42;

[0029] (4) The flow mixing ratio of fresh high-purity nitrogen E-2 and the gas after deoxygenation from xenon purification module η (i.e., the gas flowing out from pneumatic valve P) relative to three-way valve B is 0.15-0.26.

[0030] (5) The mixing ratio of the flow rate of coupling gas E-3 and the gas flowing out from the three-way valve B is 0.30-0.44.

[0031] Compared with existing technical solutions, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0032] This invention provides a device and method for coupling xenon isotope separation and neon-helium purification separation. Based on various non-cryogenic gas separation technologies, it achieves efficient enrichment of xenon isotope feed gas and purification of crude neon-helium gas under non-cryogenic conditions through multi-stage module collaboration (such as adsorption, membrane separation, and nozzle method). This includes thermal coupling and intermediate material coupling, making full use of the crude neon-helium gas generated in the process, significantly reducing energy consumption and operational complexity, and further enhancing its development advantages. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the apparatus for coupling xenon isotope separation and neon-helium purification separation described in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the xenon purification module η.

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the principle of the xenon isotope separation module θ.

[0036] In the diagram: 1. Neon-helium mixed gas tanker; 2. Pneumatic valve A; 3. Pressure reducing device; 4. Vortex generator; 5. Pneumatic valve B; 6. Pneumatic valve C; 7. Pneumatic valve D; 8. Electric heater A; 9. Hydrogen removal device; 10. Heat exchanger A; 11. Pneumatic valve E; 12. Pressure reducing valve A; 13. Pneumatic valve F; 14. Pressure booster A; 15. Gas separation membrane A; 16. Pneumatic valve G; 17. Pneumatic valve H; 18. Gas separation membrane B; 19. Pneumatic valve I; 20. Three-way valve A; 21. Pneumatic valve J; 22. Nitrogen adsorption device. A, 23, Pneumatic valve K, 24, Pneumatic valve L, 25, Nitrogen adsorption device B, 26, Pneumatic valve M, 27, Pneumatic valve N, 28, Pneumatic valve O, 29, Compressor, 30, Xenon purification module η, 31, Pneumatic valve P, 32, Three-way valve B, 33, Intensifier B, 34, Isotope separation module θ, 35, Three-way valve C, 36, Intensifier C, 37, Pneumatic valve Q, 38, Deoxygenation device, 39, Pneumatic valve R, 40, Pneumatic valve S, 41, Electric heater B, 42, Pneumatic valve T, 43, Heat exchanger B. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0038] To better illustrate the present invention and facilitate understanding of its technical solutions, typical but non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are as follows:

[0039] Example 1

[0040] This embodiment provides an apparatus for coupled xenon isotope separation and neon-helium purification separation, such as... Figure 1-3 As shown, the apparatus for coupling xenon isotope separation and neon-helium purification separation includes a xenon isotope separation system, a neon-helium purification separation system, and a heat exchanger A 10 for achieving thermal coupling between the two.

[0041] The outlet of the neon-helium mixed gas tank 1 is connected to the inlet of pneumatic valve A2 and the inlet of pressure reducing device 3, respectively. The outlet of pneumatic valve A2 is connected to the atmosphere, and the outlet of pressure reducing device 3 is connected to eddy current generator 4. The light component outlet of eddy current generator 4 separates light component gases (mainly H2 and He), which enter pneumatic valves C6 and D7 respectively. The gas exiting pneumatic valve D7 enters electric heater A8, and together with the gas exiting pneumatic valve C6, enters hydrogen removal device 9. The outlet of hydrogen removal device 9 is connected to one inlet of heat exchanger A10, and the corresponding heat exchanger outlets are connected to the inlets of pneumatic valve E11 and pressure reducing valve A12 respectively. The outlets of pneumatic valve E11 and pressure reducing valve A12 are connected to the inlet of gas separation membrane A15. The heavy component outlet of gas separation membrane A15 is connected to the helium circulation purification system. The light component outlet of gas separation membrane A15 is connected to the inlet of pneumatic valve G16. The outlet of pneumatic valve G16 is connected to the inlet of gas separation membrane B18 and the inlet of pneumatic valve H17 respectively. The heavy component outlet of gas separation membrane B18 is connected in sequence to booster A14 and pneumatic valve F18. 13. Returning to the inlet of gas separation membrane A 15, membrane separation is performed again. The light outlet of gas separation membrane B 18 is connected to the inlet of pneumatic valve I 19. The outlet of pneumatic valve I 19 merges with the outlet of pneumatic valve H 17 and is then connected to the inlet of three-way valve A 20. Pneumatic valve H 17 is connected in parallel with gas separation membrane B 18, allowing the device to select whether to perform a second nitrogen removal in gas separation membrane B 18 according to actual needs. Furthermore, the first outlet of the three-way valve A 20 is connected to the inlet of the xenon isotope separation module θ 34, allowing the coupling gas E-3 to enter the xenon isotope separation module θ 34. The second outlet of the three-way valve A 20 is connected to the pneumatic valve J 21 connected in sequence to the nitrogen adsorption device A 22, and the pneumatic valve L 24 connected in sequence to the nitrogen adsorption device B 25. That is, the nitrogen adsorption devices A 22 and B 25 are arranged in parallel. The outlet of the nitrogen adsorption device A 22 is divided into two paths and connected to the pneumatic valves K 23 and N 27 respectively. The outlet of the nitrogen adsorption device B 25 is divided into two paths and connected to the pneumatic valves M 26 and O 28 respectively. The outlet gases of the pneumatic valves K 23 and M 26 enter the neon-helium purification system. At the same time, the gas from the pneumatic valves N 27 and O 28 enters the neon-helium purification system. The outlets of 28 are all connected to compressor 29, and the outlet gas of compressor 29 enters the neon recovery system.The heavy component gas (mainly N2 and Ne) separated from the heavy component outlet of the vortex generator 4 enters one inlet of the heat exchanger A10 through the shut-off valve B5. Correspondingly, the outlet of the heat exchanger A10 is connected to the inlet of the three-way valve C35. The first outlet of the three-way valve C35 is connected to the inlet of the xenon purification module η30 for dehydrogenation regeneration of the deoxidizer. The second outlet of the three-way valve C35 is connected to the inlet of the booster C36. The outlet of the booster C36 is connected to the inlet of the vortex generator 4, so that the gas that does not enter the xenon purification module η30 returns to the vortex generator 4 for vortex separation again.

[0042] Xenon gas enters the xenon purification module η 30, specifically as follows: Figure 2 As shown, xenon gas enters through the inlet of pneumatic valve R 39. The outlet of pneumatic valve R 39 is connected to the inlet of deoxygenation device 38. The outlet of deoxygenation device 38 is connected to the inlet of pneumatic valve Q 37. The coupling gas E-1 from the first outlet of three-way valve C 35 passes through heat exchanger B 43 and electric heater B 41 in sequence before entering the inlet of deoxygenation device 38, so that xenon gas deoxygenation and coupling gas E-1 hydrogen removal (crude neon-helium gas hydrogen removal) are carried out simultaneously in deoxygenation device 38. The outlet of deoxygenation device 38 is also connected to the inlet of pneumatic valve S 40. The outlet of pneumatic valve S 40 is connected to one inlet of heat exchanger B 43, and the outlet of S 40 is connected to the inlet of pneumatic valve T 42. The outlet of pneumatic valve Q 37 and the outlet of pneumatic valve T 42 merge and connect to one inlet of heat exchanger A 10 and enter three-way valve B 32. The coupling gas E-1 first passes through heat exchanger B 43 and then through three-way valve C 35. 43 is preheated before entering the deoxidation unit 38 for reaction. When the amount of deoxidizing agent adsorbed in the deoxidation unit 38 reaches 0.85Mstandard, the electric heater B 41 is started for further heating. The outlet of the xenon purification module η 30 is connected to one inlet of the heat exchanger A 10. Specifically, the outlet of pneumatic valve Q 37 merges with the outlet of pneumatic valve T 42 and is connected to one inlet of the heat exchanger A 10. Correspondingly, the outlet of pneumatic valve Q 37 is connected to the inlet of pneumatic valve P 31. The outlet of pneumatic valve P 31 is connected to the first inlet of three-way valve B 32. The second inlet of three-way valve B 32 is used to introduce fresh high-purity nitrogen E-2. The outlet of three-way valve B 32 is connected to the inlet of xenon isotope separation module θ 34. Moreover, the coupling gas E-3 from three-way valve A 20 is pressurized by booster B 33 and also enters the inlet of xenon isotope separation module θ 34. This allows the gas from xenon purification module η 30, fresh high-purity nitrogen E-2, and coupling gas E-3 to enter xenon isotope separation module θ 34 together, so that the heavier xenon molecules can flow at high speed, thereby achieving xenon isotope separation.

[0043] Furthermore, specifically as follows Figure 3As shown, the xenon isotope separation module θ34 separates heavy and light isotopes in a cascaded manner to obtain R1, R2, R3, and R4. R1 is refluxed back to the xenon isotope separation module θ34 for further separation, while R2 enters the xenon purification module η30 with the xenon gas to participate in subsequent steps. R3 and R4 enter heat exchanger A10 respectively to obtain... 136 Xe separation & enrichment system (R5) and 129 Xe separation & enrichment system (R6).

[0044] Example 1

[0045] According to the apparatus for coupled xenon isotope separation and neon-helium purification separation described in Example 1, this example discloses a method of use, which includes the following steps:

[0046] The neon-helium mixture (Ne: 13.67%, He: 44.35%, φ(N2+H2)≤42.98%(V / V)) from the neon-helium mixture tanker is depressurized from 17MPa to 9.8MPa by a pressure reducing device. Then, it is introduced into an eddy current generator. The characteristic size of the small holes in the eddy current generator is 1.2~1.6mm, and all of them are oblique holes. The central heavy component gas does work on the outer light component gas. The extraction volume flow ratio of the central heavy component gas to the outer light component gas is F1:F2=0.46~0.55.

[0047] The light component gas separated from the outside of the eddy current generator (V / V, N2: 33.27%, H2: 3.88%, He: 46.31%) is heated (5.98MPa, ~146.8℃), mixed with instrument air, and then enters the hydrogen removal device. The hydrogen in the light component gas reacts with the solid oxygen adsorbed by the deoxidizer in the device, achieving the hydrogen removal effect (V / V N2: 34.69%, H2: ≤0.2ppm). It is important to note that electric heater A is initially turned on, and then turned off after the deoxidizer temperature rises; instrument air is added to compensate for the loss of solid oxygen adsorbed by the deoxidizer.

[0048] Furthermore, the light component gas is cooled to ~53.8℃ via heat exchanger A, and then sequentially passes through gas membrane separators A and B to remove N2. The light component gas undergoes a first nitrogen removal process in gas membrane separator A, and the resulting heavy gas (V / V, N2 ~41.11%, He ~23.17%) enters the helium cycle purification system. The resulting light gas (V / V, N2 ~21.27%, He ~57.22%) undergoes a second nitrogen removal process in gas membrane separator B, and the resulting heavy gas (V / V, N2 ~33.19%, He ~43.35%) is pressurized by booster A. The gas then returns to the inlet of gas separation membrane A for a second nitrogen removal. The resulting light gas (V / V, N2 ~17.43%, He ~81.32%) is split into two paths through three-way valve A. One path is coupling gas E-3, which enters xenon isotope separation module θ through booster B to mix with lighter helium molecules, thereby driving the heavier xenon molecules to flow at high speed and achieving xenon isotope separation. The other path enters nitrogen adsorption devices A and B connected in parallel to adsorb nitrogen, resulting in a neon-helium mixture with an N2 volume concentration of no more than 1 ppm. This mixture can be further sent to the neon-helium refining system for further refining and separation, or it can be pressurized by a compressor and sent to the neon recovery system.

[0049] The central heavy component gas (V / V, N2 ~41.89%, H2 ~1.13%, He ~41.12%, 5.97MPa) obtained by the eddy current generator has a lower temperature than the light component gas (light component gas temperature ~-51.9℃). It is reheated to ~22.1℃ through heat exchanger A10. The heated heavy component gas is divided into two parts: coupling gas E-1 and eddy current separation return gas. Coupling gas E-1 enters xenon purification module η for hydrogen removal, realizing simultaneous xenon deoxygenation and coupling gas E-1 hydrogen removal. Eddy current separation return gas enters booster C and then returns to the eddy current generator for circulation separation.

[0050] Xenon gas (V / V, Xe: 99.999%) is introduced into the xenon purification module η. The coupling gas E-1 first enters heat exchanger B for cooling, then enters electric heater B. When the adsorption capacity of the deoxidizer in the deoxygenation unit reaches 0.85 Mstandard, electric heater B is activated. The coupling gas E-1 from the cold end outlet of heat exchanger B mixes with the xenon gas and enters the deoxygenation unit, allowing xenon deoxygenation and crude neon-helium dehydrogenation to proceed simultaneously. The final gas obtained is (V / V, Xe: 97.62%, N2: 2.37%, H2: ≤0.2ppm, O2: ≤50ppb). Fresh high-purity nitrogen is then added through three-way valve B to obtain a mixed gas (V / V, Xe: 67.13%, N2: 9.33%). The mixture (V / V, Xe: 40.34%, N2: 11.12%, He: 48.26%, H2: ≤0.1ppm, O2: ≤50ppb) is fed into coupling gas E-3 via booster B. This mixture then enters the xenon isotope separation module θ for xenon isotope separation. Through cascade separation of heavy and light isotopes, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are obtained. R1 is returned to the xenon isotope separation module θ for recirculation, while R2 enters the xenon purification module η with the xenon gas for further purification before participating in subsequent steps. R3 and R4 enter heat exchanger A respectively to obtain... 136 Xe separation & enrichment system (R5) and 129 Xe separation & enrichment system (R6).

[0051] Furthermore, the xenon isotope separation module θ employs a nozzle method, utilizing the separation wedge tip at the nozzle outlet to separate the airflow into components containing xenon isotopes. 129 Xe-rich light components and containing 136 In the Xenon isotope separation module θ, heavier Xe molecules are subjected to different centrifugal forces, resulting in partial separation. Heavier Xe molecules accumulate near the wall, while lighter Xe molecules accumulate further away. The Xe isotope ratios in the gas mixture (V / V, Xe: 40.34%, N2: 11.12%, He: 48.26%, H2: ≤0.1ppm, O2: ≤20ppb) entering the module are as follows: 132 Xe: 26.9%, 129 Xe: 26.4%, 131 Xe: 21.2%, 134 Xe: 10.4%, 136 Xe: 8.86%, 127 Xe: 4.07%, 130 Xe: 2.11%, 128 Xe: 1.91%, 124 Xe: 0.095%, 135Xe: 0.09%, after passing through a large number of separation nozzles connected in series, the light Xe isotope is ultimately enriched in R2 ( 129 Xe: 21.3%, 136 Xe: 2.11%), R4 ( 129 Xe: 40.1%, 136 Xe: 0.91%, with heavy Xe isotopes enriched in R1 ( 129 Xe: 38.14%, 136 Xe: 17.61%), R3 ( 129 Xe: 3.51%, 136 Xe: 27.6%. It is important to note here that the purpose of mixing in lighter helium molecules is to drive the heavier Xe molecules to flow at high speed, thereby improving separation efficiency.

[0052] In summary, the device of this invention comprises several functional modules: an eddy current generator, a hydrogen removal device, a multi-stage membrane separation device, a nitrogen adsorption device, a xenon purification module η, and a xenon isotope separation module θ. Specifically, a neon-helium mixture is separated into light component gases (H2 and He) and heavy component gases (N2 and Ne) by an eddy current generator. Then, on one hand, after hydrogen removal from the light component gases, high-purity helium is purified through two-stage membrane separation and a dehydrogenation adsorbent; on the other hand, the heavy component gases are recycled back into the eddy current generator for further separation. Simultaneously, after Xe purification, small-molecule He is added to improve its separation coefficient, and the widely used xenon isotope isotope is separated through a multi-stage isotope separation device. 129 Xe and 136 Xe.

[0053] This invention utilizes various non-cryogenic gas separation methods and innovatively integrates Xe isotope feed gas enrichment and air separation crude neon-helium gas purification into a single device through a multi-path process flow. The device comprises several functional modules: helium and hydrogen component stripping and hydrogen removal from the air separation crude neon-helium gas, helium-enriched gas denitrification, an air separation Xe purification module, and Xe isotope feed gas enrichment. Specifically: the crude neon-helium mixture (N2+H2≤42.98% (V / V)) from the high-pressure storage tank is separated into helium-enriched gas (He~46.31% (V / V)) through eddy current effect; then, after hydrogen removal and membrane denitrification, the helium volume concentration is increased to 81.32%, and some gas (coupling gas E-3) mixes with Xe; finally, a neon-helium gas purification system with a nitrogen volume concentration of less than 1 ppm is produced through a cryogenic nitrogen adsorption device. Through the eddy current effect, a relatively concentrated heavy component gas of N2 and Ne is simultaneously generated (N2 ≥ 41.89% (V / V)). After passing through the main heat exchanger, a portion of the gas (coupling gas E-1) is mixed with Xe as a Xe deoxidizer regeneration gas, while the other portion is pressurized and returned to the eddy current generator for re-eddy current separation. In the above, coupling gas E-3 is mixed with xenon from the xenon purification module η, serving as an isotope of Xe (… 129 Xe & 136 Xe) is a raw material source for the production of high-quality feed gas.

[0054] The present invention has been illustrated with the above embodiments to illustrate its detailed structural features. However, the present invention is not limited to the above detailed structural features, that is, it does not mean that the present invention must rely on the above detailed structural features to be implemented. Those skilled in the art should understand that any improvements to the present invention, equivalent substitutions for the components used in the present invention, additions of auxiliary components, and selection of specific methods, etc., all fall within the protection scope and disclosure scope of the present invention.

[0055] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific details in the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of the present invention, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0056] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present invention will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0057] Furthermore, various different embodiments of the present invention can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of the present invention, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed by the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for coupled xenon isotope separation and neon-helium purification separation, characterized in that, The apparatus for coupling xenon isotope separation and neon-helium purification separation includes a xenon isotope separation system, a neon-helium purification separation system, and a heat exchanger A (10) for thermal coupling between the two. The xenon isotope separation system includes a xenon purification module η (30) and a xenon isotope separation module θ (34). Xenon gas flows sequentially through the xenon purification module η (30), the heat exchanger A (10), and the xenon isotope separation module θ (34). The neon-helium purification and separation system includes a vortex generator (4), the inlet of which is used to introduce a neon-helium mixture; the heavy component gas flowing out from the heavy component outlet of the vortex generator (4) flows sequentially through the heat exchanger A (10) and the three-way valve C (35), the first outlet of the three-way valve C (35) is connected to the inlet of the xenon purification module η (30), and the second outlet of the three-way valve C (35) is connected to the inlet of the vortex generator (4); the light component outlet of the vortex generator (4) The outflowing light component gas flows sequentially through the hydrogen removal device (9), the heat exchanger A (10), the gas separation membrane, the three-way valve A (20), and the nitrogen adsorption device. The light outlet of the gas separation membrane is connected to the inlet of the three-way valve A (20), the heavy outlet of the gas separation membrane is connected to the inlet of the gas separation membrane, the first outlet of the three-way valve A (20) is connected to the inlet of the xenon isotope separation module θ (34), and the second outlet of the three-way valve A (20) is connected to the inlet of the nitrogen adsorption device.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas separation membrane includes a gas separation membrane A (15) and a gas separation membrane B (18) connected in series. The heavy outlet of the gas separation membrane A (15) is connected to the helium circulation purification system, the light outlet of the gas separation membrane A (15) is connected to the inlet of the gas separation membrane B (18), the heavy outlet of the gas separation membrane B (18) is connected to the inlet of the gas separation membrane A (15), and the light outlet of the gas separation membrane B (18) is connected to the inlet of the three-way valve A (20).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nitrogen adsorption device includes nitrogen adsorption device A (22) and nitrogen adsorption device B (25) connected in parallel.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, A three-way valve B (32) is installed on the outlet pipeline of the xenon purification module η (30) and the heat exchanger A (10) in sequence. The first inlet of the three-way valve B (32) is connected to the outlet of the xenon purification module η (30), the second inlet of the three-way valve B (32) is used to introduce fresh high-purity nitrogen E-2, and the outlet of the three-way valve B (32) is connected to the inlet of the xenon isotope separation module θ (34).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, A booster A (14) is installed on the pipeline connecting the heavy outlet of the gas separation membrane to the inlet of the gas separation membrane.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, A booster B (33) is installed on the pipeline connecting the first outlet of the three-way valve A (20) to the inlet of the xenon isotope separation module θ (34).

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, A booster C (36) is installed on the pipeline connecting the second outlet of the three-way valve C (35) to the inlet of the vortex generator (4).

8. A method of using the apparatus for coupled xenon isotope separation and neon-helium purification separation according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method of use includes the following steps: Xenon gas enters the xenon purification module η (30) for deoxygenation. After deoxygenation, the gas is heated by heat exchanger A (10) and then enters the xenon isotope separation module θ (34) for xenon isotope separation. The neon-helium mixture enters the eddy generator (4) for eddy separation. The resulting heavy component gas is heated by heat exchanger A (10) and then enters the three-way valve C (35), which separates the heated heavy component gas into two parts: coupling gas E-1 and eddy separation return gas. The resulting light component gas enters the dehydrogenation device (9) for dehydrogenation. The dehydrogenated gas is cooled by heat exchanger A (10) and then enters the gas separation membrane for helium enrichment. The heavy gas with less helium returns to the gas separation membrane for helium enrichment again. The light gas with more helium enters the three-way valve A (20), which separates the light gas with more helium into two parts: coupling gas E-3 and nitrogen adsorption raw material gas. The nitrogen adsorption raw material gas enters the nitrogen adsorption device for nitrogen adsorption. The resulting gas enters the neon-helium purification system and / or the neon recovery system. The coupling gas E-1 enters the xenon purification module η (30) for hydrogen removal, so that xenon deoxygenation and coupling gas E-1 dehydrogenation are carried out simultaneously; the coupling gas E-3 enters the xenon isotope separation module θ (34) to mix lighter helium molecules, which drive heavier xenon molecules to flow at high speed, thereby achieving xenon isotope separation.

9. The method of use according to claim 8, characterized in that, The gas separation membrane includes gas separation membrane A (15) and gas separation membrane B (18) connected in series, so that the gas after hydrogen removal from the hydrogen removal device (9) is cooled by heat exchanger A (10) and then undergoes first nitrogen removal and second nitrogen removal in sequence; the heavy gas obtained from the first nitrogen removal enters the helium cycle purification system, the light gas obtained from the first nitrogen removal undergoes the second nitrogen removal, the heavy gas obtained from the second nitrogen removal returns to the inlet of gas separation membrane A to undergo the first nitrogen removal again, and the light gas obtained from the second nitrogen removal enters the three-way valve A (20).

10. The method of use according to claim 8, characterized in that, A three-way valve B (32) is installed on the outlet pipe of the xenon gas flowing sequentially through the xenon purification module η (30) and the heat exchanger A (10), so that the fresh high-purity nitrogen E-2 is mixed with the gas after deoxygenation from the xenon purification module η (30) and works synergistically with the coupling gas E-3 to achieve xenon isotope separation.

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