18515315. SEPARATION SYSTEM AND SEPARATION METHOD simplified abstract (HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.)
SEPARATION SYSTEM AND SEPARATION METHOD
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Koichiro Furusawa of Wako-shi (JP)
Kazuyuki Takahashi of Wako-shi (JP)
Hisayoshi Matsushima of Sapporo-shi (JP)
Toranosuke Nago of Sapporo-shi (JP)
SEPARATION SYSTEM AND SEPARATION METHOD - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18515315 titled 'SEPARATION SYSTEM AND SEPARATION METHOD
Simplified Explanation
The present invention provides a separation system and method for separating deuterium from a fluid containing light hydrogen and deuterium with high efficiency while minimizing equipment deterioration. The system includes multiple separation devices connected in series, each containing an electrolyte membrane with an anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer. The system separates the fluids based on their deuterium content, with the first fluid containing light hydrogen and deuterium flowing into the system and a second fluid with lower deuterium content flowing out. The system also includes a device at the upstream side that separates water vapor and deuterium from a gas flow.
- Electrolyte membrane with anode and cathode catalyst layers
- Series of separation devices for high efficiency
- Separation based on deuterium content
- Device for separating water vapor and deuterium
Potential Applications
The technology can be applied in industries requiring high-purity deuterium, such as nuclear energy, pharmaceuticals, and scientific research.
Problems Solved
The system solves the challenge of separating deuterium from a fluid containing light hydrogen efficiently while reducing equipment deterioration.
Benefits
- High separation efficiency
- Minimized equipment deterioration
- Improved purity of deuterium
Potential Commercial Applications
The technology can be commercialized in industries like nuclear power plants, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions for deuterium separation.
Possible Prior Art
Prior art may include existing deuterium separation systems using different methods or materials, but specific information is needed to determine direct comparisons.
Unanswered Questions
How does the system handle variations in fluid flow rates?
The abstract does not provide information on how the separation system adjusts to fluctuations in fluid flow rates to maintain efficiency.
What is the expected lifespan of the separation devices?
The abstract does not mention the durability or expected lifespan of the separation devices used in the system.
Original Abstract Submitted
An object of the present invention is to provide a separation system and a separation method that can separate deuterium from a fluid containing light hydrogen and deuterium with high separation efficiency while suppressing equipment deterioration. The present invention provides a separation system including a plurality of separation devices connected in series; each of the plurality of separation devices includes an electrolyte membrane to which an anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer are provided; a first inflow passage through which a first fluid containing light hydrogen and deuterium flows in, and a first outflow passage through which a second fluid having a lower deuterium content than that of the first fluid flows out are connected to an anode flow passage, a second inflow passage through which a third fluid flows into and a second outflow passage through which a fourth fluid containing light water and heavy water flows out are connected to a cathode flow passage; at least a separation device provided at the most upstream side among the plurality of separation devices is a first separation device into which a gas containing water vapor flows as a third fluid, and from which the third fluid and deuterium that has moved from the anode catalyst layer into the cathode catalyst layer are discharged as the fourth fluid.