Process and apparatus for collecting and/or separating ionized species
AssigneeBritish Nuclear Fuels plc
InventorGeoffrey Horrocks Bailey
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Abstract
A collection method for an at least partially ionised sample is provided in which the part of the sample to be collected is discharged using an electrical conductor and the discharge part of the sample then leaves the confines of a retaining magnetic field. The discharged part of the sample and the non-discharged part are separated as a result. The collector and collection method are particularly suitable for use with ion cyclotron resonance where different parts of the sample are provided with a higher energy level to other parts.
Claims18
A method of collecting at least part of an at least partially ionised sample contained within a retaining portion of a magnetic field, comprising the steps of:
- a) discharging a part of the sample to be collected by contact with an electrical conductor within the retaining portion of the magnetic field;
- b) the discharged part of the sample leaving the confines of the retaining portion of the magnetic field;
- and
- c) separately collecting the discharged part of the sample or converting the discharged part of the sample to a liquid or solid form.
Collecting apparatus comprising a magnetic field configured to contain an ionised part of an at least partially ionised sample within a retaining portion of the magnetic field;
- an electrical conductor provided within the retaining portion of the magnetic field and with which at least a part of the sample is contacted and discharged;
- and separate means for converting the discharged part of the sample from a discharged vapour into a solid and/or a liquid form and/or collecting the discharged part of the sample.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.