136Xe enrichment through cryogenic distillation. (28th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Back, H.O.; Bottenus, D.R.; Clayton, C.; Stephenson, D.; TeGrotenhuis, W.
• Is Part Of: Journal of instrumentation. Volume 12:Number 9(2017:Sep.)
• Page Start: P09033
• Page End: P09033
• Publication Date: 2017-09-28
• Subjects: Counting-gas and liquid purification -- Gas systems and purification -- Counting gases and liquids -- Double-beta decay detectors; Scientific apparatus and instruments -- Periodicals; 502.84
• DOI: 10.1088/1748-0221/12/09/P09033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-0221

Abstract

Abstract: The next generation of 136 Xe neutrinoless double beta decay experiments will require on the order of 5 tons of enriched 136 Xe. By estimating the relative volatilities of the xenon isotopes and using standard chemical engineering techniques we explore the feasibility of using cryogenic distillation to produce 5 tons of 80% enriched 136 Xe in 5–6 years. With current state-of-the-art distillation column packing materials we can estimate the total height of a traditional cryogenic distillation column. We also report on how Micro Channel Distillation may reduce the overall size of a distillation system for 136 Xe production.