The separation of multicomponent mixtures of common gases by thermal diffusion

Abstract

A brief resumé is given of theoretical and experimental work on the separation of binary and multicomponent mixtures of isotopes. The use of this information for the design of vertical hot-wire types of thermal diffusion columns is discussed. It is pointed out that no comparable experimental work exists for the separation of multicomponent common gases. The existing theory based on isotope separation is inadequate when dealing with common gases. Experimental results are quoted for total reflux and continuous operation of a pilot-plant thermal diffusion column consisting of concentric tubes, and working on common gas mixtures. It is demonstrated from the results, that the separation of CO from H 2 may be enhanced by the introduction of CO 2 which produces a maximum separation of CO from H 2. The possible reasons for the effect are discussed. In conclusion, the absence of theory and the necessary complexity of such theory, when developed, indicates the necessity for a semi-empirical approach to the design of thermal diffusion columns for separation of multicomponent mixtures, based on pilot-plant information.