Heavy water as a valuable by-product of electrolytic hydrogen

Abstract

A Combined Electrolysis Catalytic Exchange-Heavy Water Process (CECE-HWP) is being developed at Chalk River with the ultimate aim of producing by-product heavy water from electrolytic hydrogen streams although other earlier potential applications are also discussed. The gross heavy water dollar credit per GJ, based on the higher heating value of hydrogen, has been calculated as a function of the important variables: recovery, feed concentration, and price. Based on preliminary data and cost estimates, the net heavy water dollar credit has been estimated to be at least comparable to the by-product oxygen credit. The potential for by-product heavy water production from hydrogen in general, and from electrolytic hydrogen in particular, in Canada, the U.S.A., and the Western World is discussed in relation to Canada's present primary heavy water production capacity.