Heavy water purification from tritium by CECE process

Abstract

The experimental industrial plant for hydrogen isotope separation on the basis of the Combined Electrolysis and Catalytic Exchange (CECE) process is operated trouble free over a period of more than 10 years in Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute. In parallel with carrying out the research of CECE process the plant is used for reprocessing heavy water wastes contaminated by tritium; several tons of reactor quality heavy water have been conditioned. The plant was updated to provide high factor of heavy water detritiation. Detritiation factor of about 2000 was achieved and heavy water with reduced contents of tritium less than 10 5 Bq/kg was withdrawn at the rate of 7–9 kg/day as a top product. The experience gained during the plant operation shows the high efficiency of hydrogen isotope separation with CECE process. This process can be used for tritium and protium removal from reactor heavy water.