Methods to produce high purity tritium gas

The technology is a device and method for producing high purity tritium gas by irradiating a lithium composition within a gas cell that selectively allows tritium to diffuse while blocking other byproducts, ensuring efficient and direct collection of pure tritium without extensive purification. This system is designed to enhance the purity, efficiency, and scalability of tritium production for various industrial and research applications.

The Need

The production of high purity tritium gas is critical for applications in nuclear fusion, radioluminescent devices, and scientific research. Current methods for tritium production often result in contaminants like helium and other gases, requiring additional purification processes that are costly and time-consuming. A reliable and efficient approach to produce tritium gas directly with high purity is therefore needed to meet the increasing demands in industrial and research settings.

The Technology

The disclosed technology is a device and method for producing high purity tritium gas by utilizing neutron irradiation of a lithium composition within a specialized gas cell. The gas cell is designed with a wall that selectively allows tritium to diffuse through while blocking other byproducts, ensuring the collection of pure tritium gas. The device comprises a vacuum chamber, a neutron irradiation source, and a gas cell containing lithium, which, upon irradiation, produces tritium gas that diffuses through the cell wall into the vacuum chamber for collection. This innovative setup eliminates the need for extensive purification steps, providing a more efficient way to generate pure tritium.

Commercial Applications

Nuclear Fusion Research: Used as a fuel in experimental fusion reactors to produce clean energy.
Radioluminescent Devices: Tritium is used in self-luminous signs, watch dials, and gun sights.
Neutron Generators: Employed in radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, and neutron radiography.
Environmental and Hydrological Studies: Used as a tracer for studying groundwater movement and other environmental processes.

Benefits/Advantages

High Purity Output: Produces tritium gas with minimal contaminants, reducing the need for purification.
Efficiency: Streamlines the tritium production process, saving time and operational costs.
Scalability: Can accommodate multiple gas cells, increasing production capacity.
Targeted Material Design: The selective permeability of the gas cell wall ensures only tritium passes through, improving the quality of the output.
Versatility: The device can be used with different forms of lithium compounds and adjusted for various irradiation conditions, providing flexibility in production.