System and method for continuous separation of isotopes

An isotopic separation system for continuously separating the zirconium isotopes present in a sample containing a mixture of isotopes of zirconium in ionic form, said system comprising:

• (a) rotatable annulus means having a feed end spaced axially from a discharge end for holding a plurality of circumferentially spaced separation cell means packed with a separation medium for separating said zirconium isotopes, wherein each of said separation cell means extends axially from said feed end to said discharge end;
• (b) a zirconium isotope-containing sample feed source having an outlet means for introducing said sample into each of said separation cell means;
• (c) an eluant source having a plurality of outlet means, wherein each said outlet means corresponds to a separation cell means, for introducing eluant into each said separation cell means;
• (d) a pair of electrode means for applying an electric potential axially along said annulus means and each of said separation cell means while said annulus means is rotating, thereby causing the separation of lighter zirconium isotopes from heavier zirconium isotopes in said sample and the enrichment of said eluant with said zirconium isotopes;
• and
• (e) drain assembly means at the discharge end of said annulus means for continuously collecting eluant enriched with one of said zirconium isotopes including discharge outlet means associated with each said separation cell means for withdrawing eluant enriched with one of said zirconium isotopes from each said separation cell means.

A system for separating isotopes of zirconium present in a sample containing at least the isotopes Zirconium-90, Zirconium-91, Zirconium-92, Zirconium-94 and Zirconium 96 in ionic form, said system comprising:

• (a) a plurality of axial separation cells spaced circumferentially between an outer wall and a concentric inner wall of a rotatable annulus and defined by impermeable partitions extending between said inner and outer wall, said separation cells being packed from a feed end to a discharge end with a separation medium;
• (b) a source of said zirconium isotope-containing sample and a suitable electrolyte, said isotope source including an outlet whereby said sample is continuously introduced into the feed end of said separation cells;
• (c) a source of an eluant electrolyte compatible with the suitable electrolyte, said eluant electrolyte source including a plurality of outlets corresponding to said plurality of separation cells whereby said eluant electrolyte is continuously introduced into the feed end of said separation cells;
• (d) axial electric potential generating means including a first electrode and a second electrode for applying an electric potential axially between the feed end and the discharge end of the separation cells;
• (e) rotary drive means for causing said annulus to rotate simultaneously while said electric potential is being applied;
• and
• (f) zirconium isotope collection means including a drain assembly with a plurality of compartments corresponding to said plurality of separation cells for collecting each of said separated isotopes.