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Patent US4505791A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4505791A
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Isotopic separation process
Assignee: Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et Aux Énergies Alternatives
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Filing: 1982-08-17
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Granted: 1985-03-19
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Expires: 2002-08-17
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to an isotopic separation process. This process consists of exciting molecules A by the absorption of a pulsed light beam, then exciting molecules X present in several isotopic forms up to their dissociation by a vibrational transfer between molecules A and X. Molecules A have a dissociation energy higher than that of molecules X. The duration and energy of the light pulses are such that the absorption time by molecules A is below the excitation time of molecules X. The temperature conditions are such that the thermal width of the vibration lines is at least close to the isotopic shift between the resonance lines of the two isotopic forms.
Inventors
- 👤 Christian Angelie
- 👤 Michel Cauchetier
- 👤 Jacques Paris
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 02:40
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D59/00; B01D59/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
221 words
A process for the isotopic separation in a cell of a compound X having at least two isotopic forms, wherein the molecules of compound X are excited in the gaseous state, so as to bring about their dissociation, by means of a vibrational energy transfer between the molecules of compound X and the excited molecules of a compound A, in the gaseous state and having a dissociation energy higher than that of compound X, the densities of compounds X and A being below about 2×10 17 molecules /cm 3 , the vibrational transfer kinetics being different up to the dissociation of the molecules of compound X for the at least two isotopic forms to be separated under temperature conditions such that the thermal width of the vibrational energy levels involved in the vibrational energy transfer is at the most equal to the isotopic shift between the resonance energy levels of the at least two isotopic forms to be separated, and wherein the molecules of compound A are excited by an absorption of light emitted by a pulsed laser source, the duration, energy of the light pulses and irradiated section being such that the absorption time of the light by the molecules of the compound A is less than the excitation time of the molecules of compound X up to their dissociation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
221 words
A process for the isotopic separation in a cell of a compound X having at least two isotopic forms, wherein the molecules of compound X are excited in the gaseous state, so as to bring about their dissociation, by means of a vibrational energy transfer between the molecules of compound X and the excited molecules of a compound A, in the gaseous state and having a dissociation energy higher than that of compound X, the densities of compounds X and A being below about 2×10 17 molecules /cm 3 , the vibrational transfer kinetics being different up to the dissociation of the molecules of compound X for the at least two isotopic forms to be separated under temperature conditions such that the thermal width of the vibrational energy levels involved in the vibrational energy transfer is at the most equal to the isotopic shift between the resonance energy levels of the at least two isotopic forms to be separated, and wherein the molecules of compound A are excited by an absorption of light emitted by a pulsed laser source, the duration, energy of the light pulses and irradiated section being such that the absorption time of the light by the molecules of the compound A is less than the excitation time of the molecules of compound X up to their dissociation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein the pulsed laser is a carbon dioxide laser.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
A process according to claim 2, wherein compound A is chosen from the group consisting of sulphur hexafluoride, silicon tetrafluoride, boron trichloride and any other molecule with a high dissociation energy absorbing the energy levels of the carbon dioxide laser.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein the duration of the light pulses at mid-height is below 500 nanoseconds.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein the dissociation of compound X is increased by mixing therewith one or more compounds B, in order to intercept the free radicals or atoms and in this way prevent secondary reactions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the gases are contained in a static state in said cell.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the gases traverse said cell in a dynamic state.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the cell is cooled.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
A process according to claim 8 wherein said cell is cooled by means of a molecular jet.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4399011A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-03-18 | 1988-09-17 | 1989-03-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-03-18 | 1992-09-17 | 1993-03-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-03-18 | 1996-09-17 | 1997-03-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |