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US 10,005,018 B2Granted
Xenon collection method and system
AssigneeBattelle Memorial Institute
InventorsJames C. Hayes, Paul H. Humble, Mark E. Panisko, Warren W. Harper, Timothy L. Stewart
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Abstract
A method and system for collecting xenon (Xe) is described. A microchannel heat exchanger is used in combination with a mechanical cooler and an absorbent. A combination of components makes up a Xe Collection Subsystem that is adapted for use in an efficient process for collecting, purifying, and measuring Xe isotopes collected from air as part of the International Monitoring System.
Claims14
A method of collecting and concentrating Xe from air, comprising:
- drawing air through a filter and into an air compressor to form a compressed air stream;
- removing water from the compressed air stream;
- passing the compressed air stream through a dryer to produce a dried air stream with decreased levels of CO2;
- passing the dried air stream through a microchannel heat exchanger/recuperator to reduce the temperature of the air stream to −90° C. or below to produce a cold, dry air stream;
- passing the cold, dry air stream through a cryocooler to reduce the temperature of the stream by at least an additional −5° C. and passing the resulting stream through;
- a cold Xe trap where Xe is adsorbed on adsorbent in the cold trap;
- and wherein, after passing through the cold Xe trap, the cold, dry air becomes xenon-depleted cold, dry air stream which then passes into coolant channels of the microchannel heat exchanger/recuperator to cool the dried air stream.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.