For Monitoring Liquid Metal Coolants [g21c-17/02b2] *** (molten Metal Sampling In General G01n-1/12b) Patents (Class 976/DIG217)
  • Patent number: 5319955
    Abstract: A system for continuously monitoring the concentration of tritium in an aqueous stream. The system pumps a sample of the stream to magnesium-filled combustion tube which reduces the sample to extract hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is then sent to an isotope separation device where it is separated into two groups of isotopes: a first group of isotopes containing concentrations of deuterium and tritium, and a second group of isotopes having substantially no deuterium and tritium. The first group of isotopes containing concentrations of deuterium and tritium is then passed through a tritium detector that produces an output proportional to the concentration of tritium detected. Preferably, the detection system also includes the necessary automation and data collection equipment and instrumentation for continuously monitoring an aqueous stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Philippe Chastagner