Gas production apparatus
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
InventorsWarren E. Winsche, Francis T. Miles, James R. Powell
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Abstract
This invention relates generally to the production of gases, and more particularly to the production of tritium gas in a reliable long operating lifetime systems that employs solid lithium to overcome the heretofore known problems of material compatibility and corrosion, etc., with liquid metals. The solid lithium is irradiated by neutrons inside low activity means containing a positive (+) pressure gas stream for removing and separating the tritium from the solid lithium, and these means are contained in a low activity shell containing a thermal insulator and a neutron moderator.
Claims15
Tritium gas producing apparatus for use with a source of neutrons comprising means consisting of:
- a. solid lithium target means for receiving the neutrons so as to produce tritium that diffuses through the solid lithium means;
- and
- b. sintered aluminum product cooling means interposed between the solid lithium target means and the source of neutrons for containing gas coolant that circulates under pressure through the cooling means in contact with the solid lithium target means to separate and remove the tritium that escapes from the solid lithium means by said diffusion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.