The influences of inclination angle, plate-spacing and plate aspect-ratio changes on the performance of batch-type flat-plate thermal diffusion columns that are used for the enrichment of heavy water from water–isotope mixtures have been investigated, while the total expense was kept unchanged. Considerable improvement in the performance is achievable if operation is carried out by increasing plate aspect ratio, and/or properly increasing the inclination angle and/or properly decreasing plate spacing. The temperature differences between hot and cold plates, needed for keeping the operating expense unchanged, are also described.
