Two-step iterative static model for boron isotope separation

Abstract

A new static model for boron isotope separation by the laser assisted retardation of condensation method (SILARC) on the basis of model developed by Jeff Eerkens is proposed. This model was developed for so called two step iterative scheme for isotopes enrichment. From this model optimal conditions, that include carrier gas choice, rarefication degree in carrier gas, laser pulse intensity, gas pulse duration, gas pressure and temperature in reservoir and irradiation cells, optimal irradiation cell and skimmer chamber volumes, optimal nozzle throughput can be found by finding global minimum of specific objective function related to the minimum of total energy expenses. The relationships between nozzle throat area, irradiation cell (IC) volume, laser intensity, carrier gas choice, number of nozzles, number of vacuum pumps, and required isotope production rate were derived. Solution of optimal gas flow irradiation scheme problem is illustrated on example of two types of irradiation cells suitable for industrial application. The first one has only a large throughput slit nozzle, while the second one has a large number of nozzles with modest throughput. It was shown that the last one has much better performance than the former one.