Analysis of steady and unsteady state behavior in heavy water distillation process

The steady and unsteady state models were established for the performance analysis and design of heavy water distillation columns packed with corrugated wire mesh. After the steady state model was derived with pressure drops, separated D2O concentration and temperature profiles and pressure gradients in the column were obtained by solving MESH equations with equation tearing method. For the analysis of unsteady state behavior, the equilibrium stage transient model deduced from modifying the Cohen's ideal cascade equation was used to predict the concentration change of heavy water with time. These models were in good agreement with the experimental results of heavy water distillation at total reflux. And the newly developed packing material turned out to be very efficient separation device for very small HETP, pressure drop and holdup. (Author)