The heavy water separation efficiency enhancement in double-flow, by inserting an impermeable sheet or a permeable barrier into double-flow thermal-diffusion columns with external refluxes at the ends has been investigated analytically. The analysis is conducted when using an orthogonal expansion technique. The separation efficiencies are compared with conventional Clusius-Dickel columns of the same size. Considerable improvements in heavy water enrichment in double-flow thermal-diffusion columns can be obtained by increasing the inclined angle and/or by decreasing the aspect ratio. Analytical results also show that both the recycle ratio and the position of insertion are important design parameters.
Relation:
Separation Science and Technology 39(5), pp.975-1004
