GB892087A - Process for the production of water or hydrogen enriched in deuterium - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0892087/III/1> In a process in which hydrogen passing to an ammonia synthesis is depleted in deuterium by countercurrent isotopic exchange with ammonia produced, the ammonia is enriched by isotopic exchange with H2O before contact with the H2, and the ammonia after both enrichments is either burnt to nitric oxide and enriched water, or cracked to enriched hydrogen and nitrogen. H2O 1 is converted to H2 in A, e.g. by electrolysis, and the H2 passes through isotopic exchanger B, countercurrent to NH3, to NH3 synthesis C. The NH3 vapour formed is passed, in part, through isotopic exchanger D countercurrent to natural water to produce NH3 (with the natural deuterium content) which is liquefied by compressor or cooler E. The liquid NH3, after addition if desired of catalyst, e.g. platinum or alkali metal amide, through 17, is passed in countercurrent to the H2 through exchanger B, and through filter F to remove catalyst, to combustion or cracking plant G where NH3 is burnt to nitric oxide and H2O, or cracked to N2 and H2. Resulting H2O or H2 is passed through pipe 11 to generator A or to line 2 respectively. Part of the H2O or H2 may be by-passed through deuterium concentration plant H, whence a D-enriched H2O or H2 is recovered, and the D-poor fraction is returned through 13. D may also be recovered by diverting part of the H2 feed at 15 to a concentration plant and returning the D-poor fraction at 16. It is stated that where combustion of NH3 is used, HNO3 formed is neutralized with metal oxide, e.g. quick lime, and an anhydrous salt recovered to avoid D losses.