Value Function and Separative Power for Asymmetric Separation Process

Abstract

The separative power of a separating process is represented by the increase of the value of an isotope mixture which passes through the process. The separative power must be independent of the feed concentration, and is expressed by an arbitrary function of the heads and tails separation factors α and β, the functional form being chosen to suit practical convenience. This functional form is used to determine a value function, which is used for calculating the total separative power of an isotope separating cascade. When the constituent elements are asymmetric, different values are obtained for this separative power even if the cascade is operated under the same input and output conditions (i.e. flow rates and concentrations of feed, product and waste). In the present analysis, the functional form of the separative power is so determined as to minimize this dependence on asymmetry. When the feed concentration is very small compared with unity, as in the cases of heavy water production and uranium enrichmen...