Electrolyzer
Model 7031- ELEC-001
Electrolysis is an essential part of the cycle of removing tritium or separating hydrogen isotopes in light or heavy water or from organic materials.
- Tritium-compatible electrolyzer is leak tight (10-8 cc/sec helium or better).
- Safe (low pressure of less than 150 psig).
- Low inventory.
- No pump or compressor required.
- Hydrogen produced on demand.
Electrolyzers are now being used as part of the cycle for tritium removal; they electrolyze water to obtain the gaseous hydrogen isotopes which can then be separated in an isotopic separation system. Conventional electrolyzers used for the production of hydrogen perform the process well, but need considerable modification to make then suitable for use with tritium. For example, the piping system leak tightness in conventional electrolyzers is inadequate for a tritium. The use of certain elastomers makes it unsuitable. Vessels have to be redesigned to meet the tighter requirements of tritium, and valves and fittings have to be replaced. Tyne has provided the tritium expertise required to modify the electrolyzer on three occasions. This has resulted in the electrolyzer manufacturer performing conceptual design, supplying the cell and controls system, and Tyne carrying out the detailed design, manufacturing all of the vessels and supplying the valves and fittings.
The main concern of electrolysis of tritiated water is the longevity of the cell after being subjected to radiation. The electrolysis cells worked on by Tyne have been able to produce about 10 m3 per day of hydrogen, though larger units are possible.
light and heavy water applications
active nuclear facilities
SMR, MSR Research Facilities
fusion laboratories
active waste and decommissioning facilities
Related Tritium Collection Systems
Improving tritium management by designing and manufacturing extraction and removal technologies and integrated systems.
Image: complete tritium extraction plant designed, built, installed and operated by Tyne Engineering. The system removes tritium from light or heavy water, reducing stored volumes of tritiated water and is often paired with an isotopic separation system for removing tritium completely and storing safely on getter beds.
The use of wet scrubber technology in detritiation is based on gas drying by water absorption. The scrubber column technology, filled with structured packing, is based on isotopic exchange between tritiated water and liquid water, in combination with catalytic conversion.
Incorporated into advanced detritiation systems is the oxidized-and-adsorb process. The atmospheric detritiation dryer absorbs tritium oxide (HTO) after being converted from tritiated species.
Electrolysis is an essential part of the cycle of removing tritium from light or heavy water as well as organic materials. Tyne designs, builds and modifies Electrolyzers enabling their full integration into our clients' specific requirements.
The cryogenic distillation process is both highly efficient and partner to other tritium separation technologies. Complimenting the isotopic separation system, a cryogenic distillation column satisfies both high flow rate and separation and functions as the final process of tritium recovery from heavy water.
The isotopic separation system is used to separate tritium from deuterium and hydrogen. It may be used as the stage following electrolysis in the removal of tritium from heavy water or light water.
Development and application of liquid phase catalytic exchange (LPCE) technology is an effective method for tritium separation from tritiated water. Tyne designs and manufactures the columns for use with the combined electrolysis catalytic exchange (CECE) process.
It is important in nuclear applications to maintain safe levels of hydrogen concentration. The hydrogen oxygen recombiner uses a catalyst which reduces hydrogen concentration by providing sites where hydrogen and oxygen chemically react to form water.
Tyne's tritium bubbler system collects workspace or environmental samples from ambient air. With the recognized fast conversion dynamic of free tritium to THO, the requirement for a catalytic furnace to convert free Tritium into THO prior to sampling is avoided and a direct three stage bubbler system implemented.
