Chemical Separation of Isotopes Section Semiannual Progress Report for Period Ending June 30, 1955 (open access)

Chemical Separation of Isotopes Section Semiannual Progress Report for Period Ending June 30, 1955

The countercurrent gas-liquid system BF3(g)—anisole·BF3(l) for the concentration of boron isotopes has been studied. The single-storage separation factor varies from 1.039 at 0°C to 1.029 at 30°C. Rate of exchange is rapid, and, with efficient contacting equipment, complete exchange may be obtained in less than 15 sec. A total separation of 1.525 has been realized in laboratory equipment. The critical-product reflux reaction is quite efficient. Only about 55 moles of BF3 remain in each million moles of effluent solvent under laboratory conditions. The vapor pressure of BF3 over the complex rises sharply as the temperature is increased. At 0°C the pressure is 150 mm Hg, and at 40°C the pressure has risen to 1800 mm Hg. From vapor-pressure measurements, an approximate upper limit of ΔH= -12kcal per mole of complex was calculated for the reaction [equation not transcribed]. Qualitative tests indicate good resistance of anisole to decomposition by BF3 under plant conditions. The uncatalyzed exchange of boron between BF3 and BCl3 was found to be too slow to be exploited in a countercurrent system. The single-stage, equilibrium separation factor for the Nitrox system is a function of acid concentration. At 26°C the factor ranges from 1.064 with 1 M acid …
Date: February 23, 1956
Creator: Clewett, G. H. & Drury, J. S.
System: The UNT Digital Library