Helium isotope cryogenic rectification apparatus

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of helium isotope low-temperature rectification device, comprising: rectifying tower, the rectifying tower is packing tower;Condensing unit is set to the top of the rectifying tower and with the rectifying tower communication, for the ascending gas phase is condensed as liquid phase;Reboiling unit is set to the bottom of the rectifying tower and with the rectifying tower communication, for heating liquid phase produces ascending gas phase;The communication area of the condensing unit with the rectifying tower is equipped with liquid flow guide part, for to reflux liquid flow guide;The communication area of the reboiling unit with the rectifying tower is equipped with gas flow guide part, for to ascending gas phase flow guide.The utility model can realize efficient, continuous, large processing capacity helium-3 extraction by optimizing the design and operating conditions of low-temperature rectification device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cryogenic distillation technology, and in particular to a cryogenic distillation apparatus for helium isotopes. Background Technology

[0002] The main isotopes of helium include helium-3 (He-3) and helium-4 (He-4). While the purification and extraction of helium-4 has achieved commercial applications, the purification of helium-3, which has a lower boiling point than helium-4, remains significantly challenging. Due to its unique physical properties, helium-3 has important applications in neutron detection, quantum technology, medical imaging, and nuclear fusion research. Therefore, researching how to efficiently and continuously extract high-purity helium-3 is of great significance.

[0003] However, due to the extremely low natural abundance of helium-3, traditional separation methods struggle to achieve efficient, large-scale helium-3 recovery. Among related technologies, the ultraleak method for separating helium isotopes has an enrichment concentration limit, making it impossible to extract high-purity helium-3, and its small processing capacity hinders industrial production. While adsorption methods can obtain high-purity helium-3, they cannot operate continuously and have limited processing capacity, failing to meet the demands of large-scale production. Furthermore, the adsorbent is prone to saturation, requiring frequent regeneration, and the equipment is complex with high maintenance costs. Cryogenic distillation, due to its simple working principle, provides a more reliable means for the efficient extraction of high-purity helium-3. However, existing distillation devices and methods suffer from low mass transfer efficiency and uneven gas-liquid distribution, affecting helium-3 separation efficiency, product purity, and system stability. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a cryogenic distillation apparatus for helium isotopes, which addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies such as low separation efficiency, small processing capacity, and inability to achieve continuous operation of helium-3. By optimizing the design and operating conditions of the cryogenic distillation apparatus, efficient, continuous, and high-volume helium-3 extraction can be achieved.

[0005] This utility model provides a cryogenic distillation apparatus for helium isotopes, comprising: Distillation column, wherein the distillation column is a packed column; A condensation unit, located at the top of the distillation column and connected to the distillation column, is used to condense the rising gas phase into a liquid phase; A reboiling unit is located at the bottom of the distillation column and is connected to the distillation column; it is used to heat the liquid phase to generate a rising gas phase. The area connecting the condensation unit and the distillation column is provided with a liquid guiding section for guiding the reflux liquid. The reboiling unit and the distillation column are connected by a gas guide section for guiding the rising gas phase.

[0006] According to the present invention, a cryogenic distillation apparatus for helium isotopes is provided, wherein the condensation unit includes a condensation chamber, and the bottom wall of the condensation chamber is inclined from the periphery toward the center along the direction close to the distillation column.

[0007] According to the present invention, a cryogenic distillation apparatus for helium isotopes is provided, wherein the condensation unit includes a first upper flange and a first lower flange, and the first upper flange and the first lower flange enclose a condensation chamber. The condensation chamber is provided with a top discharge port on its side, and a top discharge connector is connected to the top discharge port. The bottom of the first lower flange is provided with a first connecting port, and a tower top transition joint is connected to the first connecting port. The top of the distillation column is nested and sealed with the tower top transition joint.

[0008] According to the present invention, a cryogenic distillation apparatus for helium isotopes is provided, wherein the liquid guide section is fixed to the first communication port and extends in a constricted conical shape toward the transition joint at the top of the tower. The top of the first communication port is provided with a radially inwardly extending annular first positioning platform for installing the liquid guide section.

[0009] According to the present invention, a low-temperature distillation apparatus for helium isotopes is provided, wherein the inner top wall of the first upper flange is provided with a plurality of protrusions. The bottom wall of the first lower flange is provided with a first mounting hole, and / or the edge of the first lower flange is provided with a boss.

[0010] According to the present invention, a low-temperature distillation apparatus for helium isotopes is provided, wherein the reboiling unit includes a second upper flange and a second lower flange, and the second upper flange and the second lower flange enclose a heating chamber. The top of the second upper flange is provided with a second connecting port, and a bottom transition joint is connected to the second connecting port. The bottom of the distillation column is nested and sealed with the bottom transition joint.

[0011] According to the present invention, a helium isotope cryogenic distillation apparatus is provided, wherein the gas guide section is fixed to the second communication port and extends in a constricted conical shape toward the transition joint at the bottom of the tower. The bottom of the second communication port is provided with a radially inwardly extending annular second positioning platform for installing the gas guide section.

[0012] According to the present invention, a helium isotope cryogenic distillation apparatus is provided, wherein the top of the second upper flange is provided with a first pressure testing connector, and the bottom of the second lower flange is provided with a second pressure testing connector and a bottom discharge connector.

[0013] According to the present invention, a helium isotope cryogenic distillation apparatus is provided, wherein the second lower flange has a mounting platform that protrudes radially outward relative to the second upper flange, and the mounting platform is provided with a second mounting hole.

[0014] According to the present invention, a cryogenic distillation apparatus for helium isotopes is provided, wherein the upper part of the distillation column is provided with a first discharge connector and the lower part is provided with a second discharge connector; The distillation column is equipped with a feed inlet in the middle.

[0015] The helium isotope cryogenic distillation apparatus provided by this invention integrates a condensation unit and a reboiling unit through a distillation column. The apparatus has a simple structure and utilizes a small packed column, improving mass transfer efficiency and shortening separation time while achieving overall miniaturization. This facilitates construction and operation, providing a foundation for continuous operation and large-scale production. The designed liquid guide section facilitates the diversion of reflux liquid and promotes its uniform distribution within the column, while the gas guide section guides the rising gas to a uniform distribution within the column. Through the synergistic effect of these two components, the uniformity of gas-liquid distribution within the column is improved, enhancing gas-liquid mass transfer efficiency and ultimately achieving efficient recovery of high-purity helium-3. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the helium isotope cryogenic distillation apparatus provided by this utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the condensation unit provided by this utility model.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the reboiling unit provided by this utility model.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the helium isotope separation method provided by this utility model.

[0021] Figure label: 10. Distillation column; 11. Column body; 12. Packing; 13. First discharge connector; 14. Second discharge connector; 15. Feed connector; 20. Condensation unit; 21. Liquid guide section; 22. Condensation chamber; 23. First upper flange; 24. First lower flange; 25. Top discharge connector; 26. First connecting port; 27. Top transition connector; 28. First positioning platform; 231. Protrusion; 232. Through hole; 241. First mounting hole; 242. Boss; 30. Reboiler unit; 31. Gas guide section; 32. Second upper flange; 33. Second lower flange; 34. Heating chamber; 35. Second connecting port; 36. Bottom transition connector; 37. Second positioning platform; 321. First pressure testing connector; 331. Second pressure testing connector; 332. Bottom discharge connector; 333. Mounting platform; 334. Second mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0024] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] In this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the first feature "on" or "below" the second feature may be in direct contact with the first and second features, or indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0026] The following is combined Figures 1-3 The present invention describes a cryogenic distillation apparatus for helium isotopes, comprising: a distillation column 10, a condensation unit 20, and a reboiling unit 30.

[0027] The distillation column 10, specifically a packed column, includes a column body 11 and packing 12 filled within the column body 11. The packing 12 can use high-efficiency Helipak packing or other packing with similar mass transfer efficiency. Its specific specifications are set according to the specifications of the column body 11 to improve mass transfer efficiency and shorten separation time. The column body 11 can, for example, be made of sanitary stainless steel or other equivalent cryogenically resistant materials. The inner wall of the column is polished smooth and ultrasonically cleaned to ensure stable operation of gas-liquid countercurrent mass transfer under cryogenic conditions. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the upper part of the distillation column 10 is provided with a first discharge connector 13 for sampling and analysis of samples in the upper part of the column and pressure analysis at that location; the lower part of the distillation column 10 is provided with a second discharge connector 14 for sampling and analysis of samples in the lower part of the column and pressure analysis at that location; the middle part of the distillation column 10 is provided with a feed connector 15 for introducing raw material gas, which can reduce column pressure drop, improve flow stability, reduce energy consumption, and improve the purity and recovery rate of helium-3.

[0028] A condensation unit 20, located at the top of and connected to the distillation column 10, is used to condense the rising gas phase into a liquid phase. The condensation unit 20 uses cooling energy provided by a cold source to condense the gas at the top of the column into liquid, providing reflux. The condensation unit 20 is sealed to the distillation column 10, ensuring the overall airtightness of the apparatus. The basic structure of the condensation unit 20 can be made of highly efficient thermally conductive materials, such as oxygen-free copper or other equivalent materials, to ensure effective transfer of cooling energy.

[0029] A reboiling unit 30, located at the bottom of and connected to the distillation column 10, is used to heat the liquid phase to generate a rising gas phase. Through temperature control, a portion of the liquid helium in the reboiling unit 30 vaporizes and enters the distillation column 10 to undergo gas-liquid mass transfer separation with the reflux liquid. The reboiling unit 30 is sealed to the distillation column 10 to ensure the overall airtightness of the apparatus. The basic structure of the reboiling unit 30 can be constructed using highly efficient thermally conductive materials, such as oxygen-free copper or other equivalent materials, to ensure effective heat transfer.

[0030] By integrating the condensation unit 20 and the reboiling unit 30 into the distillation column 10, the device has a simple structure. By utilizing the small packed column 12, the mass transfer efficiency is improved and the separation time is shortened. At the same time, the overall miniaturization of the device can be achieved, which facilitates construction and operation and provides the basic conditions for the continuous operation of the system to achieve large-scale production.

[0031] The condensation unit 20 and the distillation column 10 are connected by a liquid guide section 21 for guiding the reflux liquid; the reboiling unit 30 and the distillation column 10 are connected by a gas guide section 31 for guiding the rising gas phase. By designing the liquid guide section 21, the reflux liquid can be guided and its uniform distribution within the column can be facilitated. The gas guide section 31, on the other hand, helps guide the rising gas to a uniform distribution within the column. Through their synergistic effect, the uniformity of gas-liquid distribution within the column can be improved, increasing the gas-liquid mass transfer efficiency and ultimately achieving the efficient recovery of high-purity helium-3.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the condensation unit 20 includes a condensation chamber 22, the bottom wall of which is inclined from the periphery toward the center along the direction close to the distillation column 10.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the bottom wall of the condensing chamber 22 adopts a sloping design, extending downward from the periphery to the center, which can enhance liquid drainage. Especially for smaller volume reflux liquid, it can effectively improve the reflux speed of condensate and avoid heat transfer deterioration caused by excessively thick liquid film at low temperature.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the condensing unit 20 includes a first upper flange 23 and a first lower flange 24, which together form a condensing cavity 22. This application does not limit the formation of the condensing cavity 22; for example... Figure 2As shown, the first upper flange 23 has a plate-like structure, and the first lower flange 24 includes a bottom wall and a side wall extending upward from the bottom wall. The side walls and bottom wall of the first upper flange 23 and the first lower flange 24 together enclose a condensation cavity 22. In other examples, the first lower flange 24 may have a plate-like structure, and the first upper flange 23 may have a top wall and a side wall extending downward from the top wall. In this case, the top wall and side wall of the first upper flange 23 and the first lower flange 24 together enclose a condensation cavity 22. The first upper flange 23 and the first lower flange 24 are welded together, and both can be made of highly efficient thermally conductive materials, such as oxygen-free copper or other equivalent materials, to ensure effective heat transfer. Preferably, the inner bottom wall of the first lower flange 24 has a sloped design to improve fluid flow performance.

[0035] Furthermore, the condensation chamber 22 is provided with a top outlet on its side, and a top outlet connector 25 is connected to the top outlet. The top outlet connector 25 can be vacuum brazed onto the side wall of the first lower flange 24, for example. The top outlet connector 25 is used to extract helium-3-rich product gas and can also be used to measure the pressure at the top of the tower.

[0036] The bottom of the first lower flange 24 is provided with a first connecting port 26, and a column top transition joint 27 is connected to the first connecting port 26. The top of the distillation column 10 is nested and sealed with the column top transition joint 27. The column top transition joint 27 is welded to the top of the distillation column 10 to ensure the system's airtightness. The column top transition joint 27 is vacuum brazed at the first connecting port 26. The column top discharge joint 25 and the column top transition joint 27 can be made of sanitary stainless steel or other equivalent low-temperature resistant materials to facilitate high-strength welding with external units and ensure good system airtightness.

[0037] In some embodiments, the liquid guide section 21 is fixed to the first communication port 26 and extends in a constricted conical shape toward the tower top transition joint 27. The conical liquid guide section 21 can improve the uniformity of reflux liquid distribution, increase the surface wettability of packing 12, and improve the mass transfer coefficient. By working in conjunction with the guide slope above it, it can improve the fluid rate and increase the tower efficiency.

[0038] Furthermore, the top of the first communication port 26 is provided with a radially inwardly extending annular first positioning platform 28 for mounting the liquid guide section 21. By setting the first positioning platform 28, the liquid guide section 21 is provided for mounting, which ensures the concentricity of the guide section and the packing layer 12, and improves the mass transfer effect.

[0039] Specifically, in some examples, the liquid guide portion 21 can be fixed to the lower surface of the first positioning platform 28. Alternatively, in other examples, the top edge of the liquid guide portion 21 is provided with an outward flange, which can be used to pass upward through the first connecting port 26 and overlap the upper surface of the first positioning platform 28 for installation.

[0040] When the upper end of the distillation column 10 is inserted into the transition joint 27 at the top of the column for installation, the first positioning platform 28 can also be used to limit the axial movement of the distillation column 10, thereby improving the installation accuracy.

[0041] To improve heat exchange efficiency, in some embodiments, the inner top wall of the first upper flange 23 is provided with multiple protrusions 231. For example... Figure 2 As shown, by setting multiple protrusions 231, the heat exchange area can be increased and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved. The protrusions 231 can adopt a thin-walled plate-like protrusion structure to form a fin structure, which effectively increases the heat exchange area. Of course, the protrusions 231 can also adopt other shapes of protrusions, depending on the actual situation.

[0042] Furthermore, the bottom wall of the first lower flange 24 is provided with a first mounting hole 241, which is used to install the sensor to achieve a secure installation of the sensor.

[0043] To improve sensor installation flexibility, such as Figure 2 As shown, the edge of the first lower flange 24 is provided with a boss 242, and the sensor can be installed on the boss 242 by means of snap-fit, adhesive, etc. Since multiple sensors are usually provided, multiple sensor screw fixation, adhesive fixation, etc. can be achieved as needed using the first mounting hole 241 and the boss 242, improving installation flexibility. The types of sensors include temperature sensors to monitor the temperature inside the condensation unit 20, thereby improving the extraction effect of helium-3 by precisely adjusting the operating temperature.

[0044] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first upper flange 23 is provided with multiple through holes 232, which can realize mechanical connection with the cold source. The upper surface of the first upper flange 23 needs to be polished smooth, and a heat-conducting material, such as indium sheet and low-temperature thermal grease or other equivalent material, is provided on the contact surface to ensure a high heat transfer effect.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the reboiling unit 30 includes a second upper flange 32 and a second lower flange 33, which together form a heating chamber 34. This application does not limit the formation of the heating chamber 34; for example, ... Figure 3As shown, the second upper flange 32 has a top wall and side walls extending downward from the top wall, and the second lower flange 33 has a plate-like structure. Thus, the top wall and side walls of the second upper flange 32 and the second lower flange 33 together enclose the heating cavity 34. In other examples, the second upper flange 32 may have a plate-like structure, and the second lower flange 33 may have a bottom wall and side walls extending upward from the bottom wall. In this case, the side walls and bottom walls of the second upper flange 32 and the second lower flange 33 together enclose the heating cavity 34. The second upper flange 32 and the second lower flange 33 are welded together, and both can be made of highly efficient thermally conductive materials, such as oxygen-free copper or other equivalent materials, to ensure effective heat transfer.

[0046] Furthermore, the top of the second upper flange 32 is provided with a second connecting port 35, and a bottom transition joint 36 is connected to the second connecting port 35. The bottom of the distillation column 10 is nested and sealed with the bottom transition joint 36. The bottom transition joint 36 is welded to the bottom of the distillation column 10 to ensure the system's airtightness. The bottom transition joint 36 is vacuum brazed at the second connecting port 35. The bottom transition joint 36 can be made of sanitary stainless steel or other equivalent low-temperature resistant materials, facilitating high-strength welding with external units and ensuring good system airtightness.

[0047] In some embodiments, the gas guide section 31 is fixed to the second communication port 35 and extends in a constricted conical shape toward the bottom transition joint 36 of the tower; the conical gas guide section 31 can improve the uniformity of gas distribution and is beneficial to improving mass transfer efficiency.

[0048] Furthermore, the bottom of the second communication port 35 is provided with a radially inwardly extending annular second positioning platform 37 for installing the gas guide section 31. By providing the second positioning platform 37, the installation of the gas guide section 31 is ensured, thereby improving the concentricity of the guide section with the packing layer 12 and enhancing the mass transfer effect. Specifically, the gas guide section 31 can be fixed to the upper surface of the second positioning platform 37. When the lower end of the distillation column 10 is inserted into the bottom transition joint 36 for installation, the second positioning platform 37 can also be used to axially limit the distillation column 10, improving installation accuracy.

[0049] In some embodiments, the top of the second upper flange 32 is provided with a first pressure testing connector 321, and the bottom of the second lower flange 33 is provided with a second pressure testing connector 331 and a tower bottom discharge connector 332. For example... Figure 3As shown, the first pressure measuring connector 321 can be vacuum brazed onto the second upper flange 32, and the second pressure measuring connector 331 and the bottom discharge connector 332 can be vacuum brazed onto the second lower flange 33. These components can all be manufactured using sanitary stainless steel or other equivalent cryogenic materials, facilitating high-strength welding with external units and ensuring good system sealing. The bottom discharge connector 332 is used to discharge helium-3-depleted gas. In addition to measuring pressure individually, the first pressure measuring connector 321 and the second pressure measuring connector 331 can also be used together to measure the pressure difference between the two locations, indirectly measuring the reboiler's liquid level. By precisely adjusting the liquid level, the overall operating performance of the unit can be improved.

[0050] Furthermore, the second lower flange 33 has a mounting platform 333 that protrudes radially outward relative to the second upper flange 32, and the mounting platform 333 is provided with a second mounting hole 334.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the second mounting hole 334 can be used to fix the sensor, such as by fixing the sensor to the mounting platform 333 with screws. Since the mounting platform 333 has ample space, the sensor can also be fixed to the mounting platform 333 by snap-fit, adhesive, or other methods. Multiple sensors are usually installed, and the second mounting hole 334 and the mounting platform 333 can be used to fix multiple sensors at various points using screws, adhesives, etc., as needed, improving installation flexibility. The types of sensors include temperature sensors to monitor the temperature of the reboiling unit 30, thereby improving the extraction efficiency of helium-3 by precisely adjusting the operating temperature.

[0052] The liquid guide section 21 and gas guide section 31 of this application preferably adopt a conical structure and can be made of the same low-temperature resistant material as the tower body 11 (such as sanitary stainless steel), with a polished surface to reduce flow resistance. The liquid guide section 21 can receive condensate from the condensation chamber 22 and disperse the liquid into multiple fine streams through the conical flaring structure, which can avoid local flooding or drying in the tower and ensure the gas-liquid contact efficiency of the packing layer 12. The liquid guide section 21 and the gas guide section 31 work together. The liquid guide section 21 makes the liquid phase uniformly cover the surface of the packing 12, and the gas guide section 31 makes the rising gas phase uniformly pass through the voids of the packing 12. The two work together to achieve efficient mass transfer, thereby shortening the separation time of helium-3 and helium-4. Specifically, when the liquid flows through the liquid guide section 21, in one example, the liquid flows into the inner side of the liquid guide section 21 from the first connecting port 26 and then flows out from the small holes on the peripheral wall of the liquid guide section 21; in another example, the liquid flows through the axial gap between the first positioning platform 28 and the conical surface of the liquid guide section 21, improving the flexibility of liquid guidance. The flow mode of gas along the gas guide section 31 is the same as that of the liquid guide section 21, and will not be described again here.

[0053] It is understood that the liquid guide section 21 and the gas guide section 31 are not limited to the above-mentioned conical structure, but can also adopt other configurations, such as spiral guide structure, perforated plate stepped guide structure, etc., according to actual needs.

[0054] By using the aforementioned cryogenic distillation apparatus for helium isotopes, this invention also provides a method for separating helium isotopes, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the method includes the following steps: S100, The feed gas is introduced into the distillation column 10 from the middle part; S200, Adjust the temperature of the condensation unit 20, the temperature of the reboiling unit 30, and the pressure of the distillation column 10; S300: Helium-3 enriched gas is extracted through the top discharge connector 25 on the condensation unit 20, and helium-3 depleted gas is discharged through the bottom discharge connector 332 on the reboiling unit 30.

[0055] Combination Figures 1 to 3 The column body 11 has a feed inlet 15 in the middle for introducing raw material gas. During operation, the operating conditions of each module are adjusted to control the operating temperature of the condensation unit 20 within the range of 1.4K-3.0K, the operating temperature of the reboiling unit 30 within the range of 2.2K-4.2K, and the operating pressure of the distillation column 10 within the range of 5.08-103 kPa. By optimizing temperature and pressure, helium-4 can be prevented from entering a superfluid state, while improving the separation efficiency of helium-3. Preferably, the system is equipped with an automated control function, which can monitor and adjust operating parameters in real time to ensure the stability and reliability of the separation process. The condensation unit 20 has a top outlet 25 for extracting helium-3 enriched gas, and the reboiling unit 30 has a bottom outlet 332 for discharging helium-3 lean gas. By optimizing and adjusting the above operating parameters, high-purity helium-3 can be efficiently and economically recovered from helium isotopes.

[0056] This novel cryogenic distillation apparatus for helium isotopes, through optimized design of the distillation column 10, utilizing the liquid guide section 21, gas guide section 31, and the slope design of the condensation chamber 22, effectively enhances the gas-liquid mass transfer efficiency of helium-3 / helium-4, achieving the recovery of high-purity helium-3 and meeting the demands of high-end applications. The design of each connector on the condensation unit 20 and reboiling unit 30 ensures stable operation of the distillation process, thereby guaranteeing continuous and stable system operation. Integrating these technical measures into a complete distillation column system, equipped with an automated control system, ensures the stability and reliability of the separation process.

[0057] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A cryogenic distillation apparatus for helium isotopes, characterized in that, include: Distillation column (10), wherein the distillation column (10) is a packed column; A condensation unit (20) is disposed at the top of the distillation column (10) and communicates with the distillation column (10) for condensing the rising gas phase into a liquid phase; A reboiling unit (30) is located at the bottom of the distillation column (10) and communicates with the distillation column (10) for heating the liquid phase to generate a rising gas phase; The communication area between the condensation unit (20) and the distillation column (10) is provided with a liquid guide section (21) for guiding the reflux liquid; The reboiling unit (30) and the distillation column (10) are connected by a gas guide section (31) for guiding the rising gas phase.

2. The helium isotope cryogenic distillation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The condensation unit (20) includes a condensation chamber (22), the bottom wall of which is inclined from the periphery toward the center in a direction close to the distillation column (10).

3. The helium isotope cryogenic distillation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The condensation unit (20) includes a first upper flange (23) and a first lower flange (24), which together form a condensation chamber (22). The condensation chamber (22) is provided with a top discharge port on the side, and a top discharge connector (25) is connected to the top discharge port. The bottom of the first lower flange (24) is provided with a first connecting port (26), and a tower top transition joint (27) is connected to the first connecting port (26). The top of the distillation column (10) is nested and sealed with the tower top transition joint (27).

4. The helium isotope cryogenic distillation apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The liquid guide section (21) is fixed to the first connecting port (26) and extends in a constricted cone shape toward the tower top transition joint (27); The top of the first communication port (26) is provided with a radially inwardly extending annular first positioning platform (28) for installing the liquid guide part (21).

5. The helium isotope cryogenic distillation apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner top wall of the first upper flange (23) is provided with multiple protrusions (231). The bottom wall of the first lower flange (24) is provided with a first mounting hole (241), and / or the edge of the first lower flange (24) is provided with a boss (242).

6. The helium isotope cryogenic distillation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reboiling unit (30) includes a second upper flange (32) and a second lower flange (33), which together form a heating chamber (34). The top of the second upper flange (32) is provided with a second connecting port (35), and a tower bottom transition joint (36) is connected to the second connecting port (35). The bottom of the distillation column (10) is nested and sealed with the tower bottom transition joint (36).

7. The helium isotope cryogenic distillation apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The gas guide section (31) is fixed to the second communication port (35) and extends in a conical shape toward the bottom transition joint (36); The bottom of the second communication port (35) is provided with a radially inwardly extending annular second positioning platform (37) for installing the gas guide (31).

8. The helium isotope cryogenic distillation apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second upper flange (32) is provided with a first pressure test connector (321) at the top, and the second lower flange (33) is provided with a second pressure test connector (331) and a tower bottom discharge connector (332) at the bottom.

9. The helium isotope cryogenic distillation apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second lower flange (33) has a mounting platform (333) that protrudes radially outward relative to the second upper flange (32), and the mounting platform (333) is provided with a second mounting hole (334).

10. The helium isotope cryogenic distillation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The distillation column (10) is provided with a first discharge connector (13) at the top and a second discharge connector (14) at the bottom. The distillation column (10) is provided with a feed inlet (15) in the middle.

Images