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US4399011A
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Separation of hydrogen isotopes
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1981-01-03
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Granted: 1983-08-16
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Expires: 2001-01-03
Abstract
Abstract Isotopes of hydrogen are separated by reacting a normal alkane, its deuterated form, atomic bromine, a deactivating gas, and a isotopically selective vibrational sensitizer gas selected from the class consisting of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and mixtures thereof and separating the products which are enriched in deuterium.
Inventors
- 👤 David S. Y. Hsu
- 👤 Thomas J. Manuccia, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 08:15
CPC Classifications
C; C01; C01B; C01B4/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
A method for separating hydrogen isotopes which comprises: forming a gas mixture comprising bromine atoms, normal and deuterated alkane molecules, a vibrationally excited sensitizer gas selected from the class consisting of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and mixtures thereof and a deactivator gas in an amount sufficient to compete with VV pumping by the sensitizer gas whereby said deuterated alkane molecules become vibrationally excited by V--V vibration transfer from said sensitizer molecules; reacting both alkane molecules with bromine atoms, to form a bromoalkane, whereby vibrationally excited deuterated alkane molecules react at a faster rate than protonated alkane molecules; and separating deuterated bromoalkane.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
102 words
A method for separating hydrogen isotopes which comprises: forming a gas mixture comprising bromine atoms, normal and deuterated alkane molecules, a vibrationally excited sensitizer gas selected from the class consisting of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and mixtures thereof and a deactivator gas in an amount sufficient to compete with VV pumping by the sensitizer gas whereby said deuterated alkane molecules become vibrationally excited by V--V vibration transfer from said sensitizer molecules; reacting both alkane molecules with bromine atoms, to form a bromoalkane, whereby vibrationally excited deuterated alkane molecules react at a faster rate than protonated alkane molecules; and separating deuterated bromoalkane.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said sensitizer molecules are vibrationally excited prior to being admixed into said gas mixture.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said sensitizer molecule is vibrationally excited prior to being classified into said gas mixture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said sensitizer molecule is vibrationally excited by laser means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said sensitizer gas molecules are vibrationally excited, after being admixed into said gas mixture, by a laser means.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
16 words
The method of claims 2, 3, 4, or 5 wherein said sensitizer gas is carbon dioxide.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
15 words
The method of claims 2, 3, 4, or 5 wherein said alkane molecules are methane.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
22 words
The method of claims 2, 3, 4, or 5 wherein said sensitizer gas is carbon dioxide and said alkane molecules are methane.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-08-15 | 1987-02-14 | 1987-08-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-08-15 | 1991-02-14 | 1991-08-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-08-15 | 1995-02-14 | 1995-08-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |