EP0197235B1 - Installation for purifying the gaseous atmospheres of several separate closed work rooms - Google Patents

Installation for purifying the gaseous atmospheres of several separate closed work rooms Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0197235B1
EP0197235B1 EP86100009A EP86100009A EP0197235B1 EP 0197235 B1 EP0197235 B1 EP 0197235B1 EP 86100009 A EP86100009 A EP 86100009A EP 86100009 A EP86100009 A EP 86100009A EP 0197235 B1 EP0197235 B1 EP 0197235B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gases
tritium
installation
pump
gas
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Expired
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EP86100009A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0197235A1 (en
Inventor
Heinrich Dr. Dipl.-Chem. Weichselgartner
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Max Planck Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Wissenschaften eV
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Max Planck Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Wissenschaften eV
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Priority to AT86100009T priority Critical patent/ATE38450T1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F9/00—Treating radioactively contaminated material; Decontamination arrangements therefor
    • G21F9/02—Treating gases
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S55/00—Gas separation
    • Y10S55/18—Work bench

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for cleaning the gas atmospheres of several separate closed work spaces by removing harmful, in particular radioactive gases, such as tritium, with an individual gas circuit containing a circulation pump for each work space.
  • the experiments or operating facilities installed in the work rooms generally have different tritium inventories as well as different hazard potentials.
  • Examples of such different facilities are all-metal apparatus, systems with open sampling, electrolysis cells with a high probability of release of tritiated water vapor, tempered metal getters, in which T permeation or leakage can occur, to name just a few examples.
  • each closed work space with its own tritium removal device which is individually adapted to the respective conditions, i. H. e.g. B. with regard to throughput, T-absorption capacity, maintenance interval and hazard potential for the work area concerned and the experimental and operating equipment contained therein.
  • this solution is very complex, since separate blowers, compressors, reactors, absorption sections, filters, heat exchangers, regulating and control elements, etc. must be provided for each work area.
  • the equipment expenditure can be reduced by a central tritium removal system, which is connected to several or all closed work rooms of the laboratory.
  • a central system must then meet the conditions of all work spaces, both with regard to the atmosphere, e.g. B. air, inert gas, noble gas, with or without oxygen, with or without moisture), with regard to the pressure conditions (positive pressure, negative pressure, atmospheric pressure, low or high throughput), with regard to the hazard potential (type of experiment and external inclusion, such as metallic, open etc.) and with regard to the tritium inventory (quantity calculated absolutely), physical state (such as gaseous or bound to solid or liquid substances) etc. From this it follows that a central system with the most varied operating states must be operated.
  • the present invention is based on the object of specifying a restraint system for a plurality of closed work spaces which, on the one hand, can be optimally adapted to the conditions of each individual work space and, on the other hand, enables a largely central processing of the gases to be removed with a minimum of equipment.
  • each gas circuit contains a regenerable device for separating and temporarily storing the gases to be removed, and a device for releasing the temporarily stored gases, and in that a common gas removal unit is provided, which is optionally connected to the separation and buffering device of each work space circuit can be connected and contains a vacuum pump arrangement for extracting the gases released in the device just connected, a container for receiving the extracted gases and a device connected to the container for binding the gases to be removed.
  • each working area is assigned a single sorption unit adapted to its conditions, and that for processing the to be removed, for.
  • B. tritium-containing gases from all these individual sorption units a common plant part is provided Both an optimal adaptation to the conditions of the individual work rooms and an effective further processing of the gases to be removed are guaranteed with little expenditure on equipment.
  • the regenerable device can contain a tritium sorption device and the common gas removal device then contains a device for binding tritium-containing components of the extracted gases.
  • the regenerable Tritiumsorptionseinrich device preferably contains a sorbent regenerable by heating.
  • the circulating pump is preferably arranged within the relevant work area, so that no special demands need be made of its tightness.
  • the pump arrangement of the common unit contains an oil-free high-vacuum pump and an oil-free displacement pump connected downstream of this.
  • the container of the common unit and the device for binding the gases to be removed are preferably connected in series with a pump in a gas circuit.
  • the common unit can contain several different, optionally switchable devices for binding the gas components to be removed.
  • the tritium restraint system shown in Fig. 1 consists of a number of individual units 10a, 10b, 10c, ... and a common unit 12.
  • the individual units 10 are each a closed work space, such as a glove box, a caisson and the like assigned; since they are basically the same, only unit 10a is shown in more detail and is explained in detail below.
  • the unit 10a contains a closed work space 14, in which a tritium experiment or operating device 16 or more such devices are located.
  • the working space 14 is connected in a sorption circuit 18, which contains a fan 20 arranged in the working space 14, through which the gas contained in the working space 14 through a line 22, which an activity measuring point 23, for. B. contains with an ionization chamber, is conveyed into a sorption device 26.
  • sorption is intended to include adsorption and absorption).
  • the sorption device 26 contains two sorption columns 28a, 28b, the inlet of which can optionally be connected to the line 22 by a valve 24a or 24b.
  • the outlets of the sorption columns can be connected via a further valve 30a or 30b to a line 34 which is connected via a further activity measuring point 38 to an inlet line 40 which opens into the working space 14.
  • the outlets of the sorption columns 28a, 28b can also be connected to a line 36 via a valve 32a or 32b.
  • the line 36 is connected via a shut-off valve 42a to a manifold 44 which leads to the inlet of the common unit 12.
  • the sorption columns 28a, 28b are each provided with a heating device 46a, 46b which is used for regeneration.
  • the common unit 12 includes a pump assembly 50, the inlet of which is connected to the manifold 44.
  • the pump assembly 50 includes a turbomolecular pump 52, the inlet of which is connected to the manifold 44, and a dry (oil-free) positive displacement pump 54, e.g. B. a piston pump, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the turbomolecular pump 52.
  • the outlet of the positive displacement pump 54 is connected via a shut-off valve 56 to the inlet 58 of a container 60, the outlet of which is connected via a shut-off valve 62 to the inlet of a dry (oil-free) diaphragm compressor 64.
  • the outlet of the membrane compressor is connected to the inlet x of a tritium removal device 66, which will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.
  • the outlet y of the tritium removal device is connected to the inlet 58 of the container 60 via a ring line 68, which contains an activity measuring point 70 and a shut-off valve 72.
  • the device 66 can be carried out according to FIG. 2 by pressure tritiation of linoleic acid in the presence of a Pd catalyst in a disposable vessel 74.
  • a shut-off valve 76 or 78 is provided between the pump 64 and the inlet x or between the outlet y and the ring line 68.
  • the removal of tritium with the help of linoleic acid is described for example in EP-B-43401.
  • the disposable container 74 contains a pack impregnated with linoleic acid and Pd catalyst, which can be closed by shut-off valves 80 and, after saturation with tritium, can be replaced and stored as a whole.
  • the device 66 may contain a catalyst chamber 82 and a subsequent absorber chamber 84.
  • the gaseous T 2 is oxidized in the catalyst chamber and the resulting tritium-containing water is absorbed in a molecular sieve packing in the absorber chamber 84.
  • the Absorber chamber 84 can be designed as a disposable vessel, similar to that shown in FIG. 2.
  • the absorber chamber 84 can also contain a material, such as quicklime or gypsum, in which the tritium-containing water is bound chemically or as crystal water.
  • the device 66 first contains an absorber chamber 86 for absorbing water containing tritium through a molecular sieve (e.g. zeolite) by gypsum, burnt lime and the like, and then an absorption unit 88 for absorbing gaseous T 2 under pressure.
  • the valve 78 is then used as a throttle valve in this case to generate the required pressure in the unit 88.
  • each individual working space 14 is circulated by the blower 20, which is dimensioned according to the size of the working space, through the switched-on sorption column 28a or 28b.
  • the columns 28 are dimensioned such that a multiple of the total tritium inventory can be added to the sorbent.
  • Activated palladium metal on an alpha alumina support material can be used as the sorbent.
  • the column filling is activated by heating under reduced pressure. This is preferably done at 200 to 300 ° C and a pressure of 10- 1 to 10- 2 Pa.
  • the baking time is a few hours, generally between 2 and 6 hours.
  • T 2 Gaseous tritium (T 2 ) and tritium-containing water vapor (THO and T 2 0) are reversibly bound to the sorbent by adsorption or solution.
  • valves 24a and 30a are closed and for this purpose valves 24b and 30b are opened.
  • the valves 32a and 32b are closed.
  • the sorbent in the sorption column 28a is regenerated or reactivated by means of the central unit 12.
  • the valves 32a and 42a are opened (the valves 42b, 42c are closed), the heating device 46a is switched on, the pump arrangement 50 is started up and valve 56 is opened. Valves 62 and 72 remain closed.
  • a vacuum is generated by at least 10- 1 to 10- 2 Pa by the turbo molecular pump 52 in the column 28a, and thereby removed the sorbed substances.
  • the gas drawn off by the high-vacuum pump 52 is conveyed by the displacement pump 54 into the container 60 which serves as an intermediate store.
  • the heater 46a forming a heating jacket heats the sorbent, which in the preferred embodiment consists of activated palladium metal on an alpha-alumina support material, to about 200 to 300 ° C.
  • the valves 32a, 42a and 56 are closed and the pump arrangement 50 is switched off.
  • the tritium-containing gas mixture contained in the container 60 can now be processed under controlled conditions.
  • the valves 62, 72, 76 and 78 are opened and the pump 64 is started.
  • the gas mixture from the container 60 is now circulated through the tritium removal device 66, in which the tritium and / or water containing tritium are bound, which is monitored by the activity measuring device 70.
  • the central unit or common unit 12 can be connected via the valves 42b, 42c, ... to the other individual units 10b, 10c, ... as required.
  • the sorption column 28 can be specially adapted to the experiments and devices 16 installed in the associated unit 10.
  • the capacity of the sorption column is designed according to the T inventory and the hazard potential. The same applies to the blower 20, the delivery capacity of which can be designed in accordance with the volume of the associated work space 14.
  • Any number of individual units can be connected to the central or common unit 12 via the bus 44.
  • the redundant sorption column 28b can be operated until the first sorption column 28a is regenerated.
  • the second sorption column can therefore be made smaller in terms of capacity, since in principle it is only required during the regeneration of the "main column".
  • the central unit or common unit 12 which contains the pump arrangement 50, the container 60 and the compressor 64, that is to say the most complex units of the system in terms of equipment, need only be present once.
  • drying agents other than molecular sieves e.g. B. lime, gypsum, etc. can be used in the disposal facility.
  • the eliminator 66 may also include several different eliminators, e.g. B. contain according to FIGS. 2 to 4, which can be optionally switched into the circuit via corresponding valves.
  • the working space 14 is a glove box with a volume of 6 m 3 and He atmosphere.
  • the blower 20 has a delivery rate of 20 m 3 / h, so that the atmosphere of the glove box is circulated about three times an hour.
  • the absorption column 28a consists of a cylindrical stainless steel tube with a diameter of 20 cm and a height of 2 m. In this tube there are ten baskets, each with 2 kg of a Pd / A1 2 0 3 absorbent (0.5% Pd on 4 mm diameter balls made of alpha-Al 2 0 3 ), arranged on wire mesh sieves, in total 20 kg. This absorbent is activated before use by heating for about 4 hours at 220 ° C under a vacuum of 10- 2 Pa. This will expel all traces of moisture and gases.
  • the central unit is not permanently connected to the units 10a, 10b, ..., but is designed as a mobile unit which is driven to the various units 10 as required and is connected to that unit 10 via a corresponding pipe coupling can, whose sorption device is currently being regenerated.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Separation Of Gases By Adsorption (AREA)
  • Structure Of Emergency Protection For Nuclear Reactors (AREA)
  • Devices For Use In Laboratory Experiments (AREA)

Abstract

An arrangement for cleaning gaseous atmosphere from a plurality of separate, contained working spaces by removal of noxious, in particular radioactive, gases, such as tritium. Each working space is provided with an individual gas circuit having a circulation pump. Each gas circuit contains a regenerable absorption device, for separation and temporary intermediate storage of the gases to be removed as well as a device for release of the intermediately stored gases. Moreover, a common gas removal unit is provided which can be connected selectively with the separation and intermediate-storage device of each working space circuit and which contains a vacuum pump arrangement for drawing off the gases released in the separation and storage device connected at the time, a vessel for receiving the drawn-off gases, and a device connected with the vessel for binding the gases to be removed.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Einrichtung zur Reinigung der Gasatmosphären mehrerer getrennter geschlossener Arbeitsräume durch Entfernung schädlicher, insbesondere radioaktiver Gase, wie Tritium, mit einem eine Umwälzpumpe enthaltenden individuellen Gaskreislauf für jeden Arbeitsraum.The present invention relates to a device for cleaning the gas atmospheres of several separate closed work spaces by removing harmful, in particular radioactive gases, such as tritium, with an individual gas circuit containing a circulation pump for each work space.

In größeren Tritiumlabors gibt es die verschiedensten Experimentiereinrichtungen, die jeweils in einem eigenen geschlossenen Arbeitsraum ("Containment"), wie einer Glove-Box, einem Caisson oder dergl. untergebracht sind. Diese Arbeitsräume werden zum Teil mit Atmosphärendruck, zum Teil mit Unterdruck betrieben, sie können gewöhnliche Luft oder eine gereinigte Atmosphäre (Luft, der der Sauerstoff und/oder etwaige Feuchtigkeit entzogen worden sind) oder ein Inertgas, wie ein Edelgas, enthalten.In larger tritium laboratories there are a variety of experimental facilities, each of which is housed in its own closed work space ("containment"), such as a glove box, a caisson or the like. These working rooms are operated partly with atmospheric pressure, partly with negative pressure, they can contain ordinary air or a cleaned atmosphere (air from which the oxygen and / or any moisture has been removed) or an inert gas such as an inert gas.

Die in den Arbeitsräumen installierten Experimente oder Betriebseinrichtungen weisen im allgemeinen sowohl unterschiedliche Tritiuminventare als auch unterschiedliche Gefährdungspotentiale auf. Beispiele solcher unterschiedlicher Einrichtungen sind ganzmetallische Apparaturen, Systeme mit offener Probeentnahme, Elektrolysierzellen mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit der Freisetzung von tritiertem Wasserdampf, temperierte Metallgetter, bei denen T-Permeation oder Leckage auftreten können, um nur einige Beispiele zu nennen.The experiments or operating facilities installed in the work rooms generally have different tritium inventories as well as different hazard potentials. Examples of such different facilities are all-metal apparatus, systems with open sampling, electrolysis cells with a high probability of release of tritiated water vapor, tempered metal getters, in which T permeation or leakage can occur, to name just a few examples.

Aus Sicherheitsgründen wird die Atmosphäre solcher geschlossener Arbeitsräume laufend überwacht und durch Einrichtungen zur Tritiumentfernung verarbeitet, wobei sowohl sogenannte Normal-Freisetzungen (Freisetzung von Tritium durch Permeation, Leckage, Wartung, Probenentnahme) als auch Störfall-Freisetzungen (schlagartige Freisetzung des gesamten Tritiuminventars) in Betracht gezogen werden mussen.For safety reasons, the atmosphere of such closed work rooms is continuously monitored and processed by tritium removal devices, taking into account so-called normal releases (release of tritium through permeation, leakage, maintenance, sampling) as well as accidental releases (sudden release of the entire tritium inventory) have to be pulled.

Es ist bekannt, jeden geschlossenen Arbeitsraum mit einer eigenen Einrichtung zur Tritiumbeseitigung zu versehen, die an die jeweiligen Verhältnisse individuell angepaßt ist, d. h. z. B. hinsichtlich Durchsatz, T-Aufnahmevermögen, Wartungsintervall und Gefährdungspotential für den betreffenden Arbeitsraum und die in ihm enthaltenen Experimentier- und Betriebseinrichtungen speziell ausgelegt ist. Diese Lösung ist jedoch sehr aufwendig, da für jeden Arbeitsraum eigene Gebläse, Kompressoren, Reaktoren, Absorptionsstrecken, Filter, Wärmetauscher, Regel- und Steuerorgane usw. vorgesehen werden müssen.It is known to provide each closed work space with its own tritium removal device which is individually adapted to the respective conditions, i. H. e.g. B. with regard to throughput, T-absorption capacity, maintenance interval and hazard potential for the work area concerned and the experimental and operating equipment contained therein. However, this solution is very complex, since separate blowers, compressors, reactors, absorption sections, filters, heat exchangers, regulating and control elements, etc. must be provided for each work area.

Der apparative Aufwand läßt sich durch ein zentrales Tritium-Beseitigungssystem verringern, welches an mehrere oder alle geschlossenen Arbeitsräume des Labors angeschlossen ist. Ein solches zentrales System muß dann aber den Bedingungen aller Arbeitsräume genügen, und zwar sowohl hinsichtlich der Atmosphäre, z. B. Luft, Inertgas, Edelgas, mit oder ohne Sauerstoff, mit oder ohne Feuchtigkeit), hinsichtlich der Druckverhältnisse (Überdruck, Unterdruck, Atmosphärendruck, niederer oder hoher Durchsatz), hinsichtlich des Gefährdungspotentials (Art des Experiments und des äußeren Einschlusses, wie metallisch, offen usw.) und hinsichtlich des Tritiuminventars (Menge absolut gerechnet), Aggregatzustand (wie gasförmig oder an feste oder flüssige Stoffe gebunden) usw. Hieraus folgt, daß ein zentrales System mit den unterschiedlichsten Betriebszuständen gefahren werden muß. Die Anzahl der Regel- und Steuerorgane für Druck, Temperatur, Durchsatz, Zusatzgas-Dosierung usw. steigt dadurch drastisch an und für die Lüfter, Gebläse und Kompressoren sind große Durchsatz- und Druckbereiche erforderlich. Die Steuerung von Katalysatoröfen, die Dimensionierung von Absorptionsstrecken, Bemessung von Filtern und Abscheidern müssen weite, verfahrenstechnisch nur schwierig abzudeckende Bereiche umfassen. Ein zentrales System ist daher komplex und unübersichtlich, die Sicherheitsbedingungen sind schwer zu überblicken und werden dadurch leicht unrealistisch angesetzt, Störfälle und Systemausfälle sind schwer beherrschbar.The equipment expenditure can be reduced by a central tritium removal system, which is connected to several or all closed work rooms of the laboratory. Such a central system must then meet the conditions of all work spaces, both with regard to the atmosphere, e.g. B. air, inert gas, noble gas, with or without oxygen, with or without moisture), with regard to the pressure conditions (positive pressure, negative pressure, atmospheric pressure, low or high throughput), with regard to the hazard potential (type of experiment and external inclusion, such as metallic, open etc.) and with regard to the tritium inventory (quantity calculated absolutely), physical state (such as gaseous or bound to solid or liquid substances) etc. From this it follows that a central system with the most varied operating states must be operated. The number of regulating and control elements for pressure, temperature, throughput, additional gas metering etc. increases drastically as a result, and large throughput and pressure ranges are required for the fans, blowers and compressors. The control of catalyst furnaces, the dimensioning of absorption sections, the dimensioning of filters and separators must encompass wide areas that are difficult to cover in terms of process technology. A central system is therefore complex and confusing, the security conditions are difficult to understand and are therefore easily implemented in an unrealistic manner, malfunctions and system failures are difficult to control.

Ähnliche Probleme treten auch bei anderen Anlagen auf, in denen radioaktive oder andere schädliche Gase aus getrennten Arbeitsräumen entfernt werden müssen.Similar problems also occur with other systems in which radioactive or other harmful gases have to be removed from separate work rooms.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Rückhaltesystem für mehrere geschlossene Arbeitsräume anzugeben, welches sich einerseits optimal an die Verhältnisse jedes einzelnen Arbeitsraumes anpassen läßt und andererseits eine weitgehend zentrale Verarbeitung der zu entfernenden Gase mit einem Minimum an apparativem Aufwand ermöglicht.The present invention is based on the object of specifying a restraint system for a plurality of closed work spaces which, on the one hand, can be optimally adapted to the conditions of each individual work space and, on the other hand, enables a largely central processing of the gases to be removed with a minimum of equipment.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß jeder Gaskreislauf eine regenerierbare Einrichtung zum Abtrennen und temporären Zwischenspeichern der zu entfernenden Gase sowie eine Vorrichtung zum Freisetzen der zwischengespeicherten Gase enthält, und daß eine gemeinsame Gasbeseitigungseinheit vorgesehen ist, die wahlweise an die Abtrennungs- und Zwischenspeichereinrichtung jedes Arbeitsraumkreislaufes anschließbar ist und eine Vakuumpumpenanordnung zum Absaugen der in der gerade angeschlossenen Einrichtung freigesetzten Gase, einen Behälter zur Aufnahme der abgesaugten Gase sowie eine mit dem Behälter verbundene Einrichtung zum Binden der zu entfernenden Gase enthält.This object is achieved in that each gas circuit contains a regenerable device for separating and temporarily storing the gases to be removed, and a device for releasing the temporarily stored gases, and in that a common gas removal unit is provided, which is optionally connected to the separation and buffering device of each work space circuit can be connected and contains a vacuum pump arrangement for extracting the gases released in the device just connected, a container for receiving the extracted gases and a device connected to the container for binding the gases to be removed.

Dadurch, daß jedem Arbeitsraum eine dessen Bedingungen angepaßte Einzel-Sorptionseinheit zugeordnet ist, und daß zur Verarbeitung der zu entfernenden, z. B. tritiumhaltigen Gase aus allen diesen Einzel-Sorptionseinheiten ein gemeinsamer Anlagenteil vorgesehen ist, wird sowohl eine optimale Anpassung an die Verhältnisse der einzelnen Arbeitsräume als auch eine effektive Weiterverarbeitung der zu entfernenden Gase mit geringem apparativen Aufwand gewährleistet.The fact that each working area is assigned a single sorption unit adapted to its conditions, and that for processing the to be removed, for. B. tritium-containing gases from all these individual sorption units a common plant part is provided Both an optimal adaptation to the conditions of the individual work rooms and an effective further processing of the gases to be removed are guaranteed with little expenditure on equipment.

Die regenerierbare Einrichtung kann eine Tritium-Sorptionseinrichtung enthalten und die gemeinsame Gasbeseitigungseinrichtung enthält dann eine Einrichtung zum Binden von tritiumhaltigen Bestandteilen der abgesaugten Gase. Die regenerierbare Tritiumsorptionseinrich tung enthält vorzugsweise ein durch Erhitzen regenerierbares Sorptionsmittel.The regenerable device can contain a tritium sorption device and the common gas removal device then contains a device for binding tritium-containing components of the extracted gases. The regenerable Tritiumsorptionseinrich device preferably contains a sorbent regenerable by heating.

Die Umwälzpumpe ist vorzugsweise innerhalb des betreffenden Arbeitsraumes angeordnet, so daß an ihre Dichtigkeit keine besonderen Ansprüche gestellt zu werden brauchen.The circulating pump is preferably arranged within the relevant work area, so that no special demands need be made of its tightness.

Bei einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform enthält die Pumpenanordnung der gemeinsamen Einheit eine ölfreie Hochvakuumpumpe und eine dieser nachgeschaltete ölfreie Verdrängungspumpe.In an advantageous embodiment, the pump arrangement of the common unit contains an oil-free high-vacuum pump and an oil-free displacement pump connected downstream of this.

Der Behälter der gemeinsamen Einheit und die Einrichtung zum Binden der zu beseitigenden Gase sind vorzugsweise in Reihe mit einer Pumpe in einen Gaskreislauf geschaltet. Die gemeinsame Einheit kann mehrere verschiedene, wahlweise einschaltbare Einrichtungen zum Binden der zu beseitigenden Gasbestandteile enthalten.The container of the common unit and the device for binding the gases to be removed are preferably connected in series with a pump in a gas circuit. The common unit can contain several different, optionally switchable devices for binding the gas components to be removed.

Im folgenden wird ein Tritium-Rückhaltesystem als bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnungen näher erläutert, dabei werden noch weitere Merkmale und Vorteile der Erfindung zur Sprache kommen.A tritium restraint system as a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, in which case further features and advantages of the invention will be discussed.

Es zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines Tritium-Rückhaltesystems gemäß der Erfindung, und
  • Fig. 2 bis Fig. 4 verschiedene Ausführungsformen von Tritium-Beseitigungseinrichtungen für das System gemäß Fig. 1.
Show it:
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a tritium retention system according to the invention, and
  • 2 to 4 different embodiments of tritium removal devices for the system according to FIG. 1.

Das in Fig. 1 dargestellte Tritium-Rückhaltesystem besteht aus einer Anzahl individueller Einheiten 10a, 10b, 10c, ... und einer gemeinsamen Einheit 12. Die individuellen Einheiten 10 sind jeweils einem geschlossenen Arbeitsraum, wie einer Glove-Box, einem Caisson und dergl. zugeordnet; da sie im Prinzip gleich sind, ist nur die Einheit 10a genauer dargestellt und wird im folgenden im einzelnen erläutert.The tritium restraint system shown in Fig. 1 consists of a number of individual units 10a, 10b, 10c, ... and a common unit 12. The individual units 10 are each a closed work space, such as a glove box, a caisson and the like assigned; since they are basically the same, only unit 10a is shown in more detail and is explained in detail below.

Die Einheit 10a enthält einen geschlossenen Arbeitsraum 14, in dem sich eine Tritium-Experimentier- oder Betriebseinrichtung 16 oder mehrere solcher Einrichtungen befinden. Der Arbeitsraum 14 ist in einen Sorptionskreislauf 18 geschaltet, der ein im Arbeitsraum 14 angeordnetes Gebläse 20 enthält, durch das das im Arbeitsraum 14 enthaltene Gas durch eine Leitung 22, die eine Aktivitätsmeßstelle 23, z. B. mit einer Ionisationskammer enthält, in eine Sorptions-Einrichtung 26 gefördert wird. (Der Begriff "Sorption" soll Adsorption und Absorption umfassen).The unit 10a contains a closed work space 14, in which a tritium experiment or operating device 16 or more such devices are located. The working space 14 is connected in a sorption circuit 18, which contains a fan 20 arranged in the working space 14, through which the gas contained in the working space 14 through a line 22, which an activity measuring point 23, for. B. contains with an ionization chamber, is conveyed into a sorption device 26. (The term "sorption" is intended to include adsorption and absorption).

Die Sorptions-Einrichtung 26 enthält zwei Sorptionskolonnen 28a, 28b, deren Einlaß durch ein Ventil 24a bzw. 24b wahlweise mit der Leitung 22 verbunden werden kann. Die Auslässe der Sorptionskolonnen können über weitere Ventile 30a bzw. 30b mit einer Leitung 34 verbunden werden, die über eine weitere Aktivitätsmeßstelle 38 mit einer Einlaßleitung 40 verbunden ist, die im Arbeitsraum 14 mündet. Die Auslässe der Sorptionskolonnen 28a, 28b können ferner über jeweils ein Ventil 32a bzw. 32b mit einer Leitung 36 verbunden werden. Die Leitung 36 ist über ein Absperrventil 42a mit einer Sammelleitung 44 verbunden, die zum Einlaß der gemeinsamen Einheit 12 führt.The sorption device 26 contains two sorption columns 28a, 28b, the inlet of which can optionally be connected to the line 22 by a valve 24a or 24b. The outlets of the sorption columns can be connected via a further valve 30a or 30b to a line 34 which is connected via a further activity measuring point 38 to an inlet line 40 which opens into the working space 14. The outlets of the sorption columns 28a, 28b can also be connected to a line 36 via a valve 32a or 32b. The line 36 is connected via a shut-off valve 42a to a manifold 44 which leads to the inlet of the common unit 12.

Die Sorptionskolonnne 28a, 28b sind jeweils mit einer zur Regenerierung dienenden Heizvorrichtung 46a, 46b versehen.The sorption columns 28a, 28b are each provided with a heating device 46a, 46b which is used for regeneration.

Die gemeinsame Einheit 12 enthält eine Pumpenanordnung 50, deren Einlaß an die Sammelleitung 44 angeschlossen ist. Die Pumpenanordnung 50 enthält eine Turbomolekularpumpe 52, deren Einlaß mit der Sammelleitung 44 verbunden ist, und eine trockene (ölfreie) Verdrängerpumpe 54, z. B. eine Kolbenpumpe, deren Einlaß mit dem Auslaß der Turbomolekularpumpe 52 verbunden ist.The common unit 12 includes a pump assembly 50, the inlet of which is connected to the manifold 44. The pump assembly 50 includes a turbomolecular pump 52, the inlet of which is connected to the manifold 44, and a dry (oil-free) positive displacement pump 54, e.g. B. a piston pump, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the turbomolecular pump 52.

Der Auslaß der Verdrängerpumpe 54 ist über ein Absperrventil 56 mit dem Einlaß 58 eines Behälters 60 verbunden, dessen Auslaß über ein Absperrventil 62 mit dem Einlaß eines trockenen (ölfreien) Membrankompressors 64 verbunden ist. Der Auslaß des Membrankompressors ist mit dem Einlaß x einer Tritium-Beseitungseinrichtung 66 verbunden, die anhand der Figuren 2 bis 4 noch genauer erläutert werden wird. Der Auslaß y der Tritium-Beseitigungseinrichtung ist über eine Ringleitung 68, die eine Aktivitätsmeßstelle 70 und ein Absperrventil 72 enthält, mit dem Einlaß 58 des Behälters 60 verbunden.The outlet of the positive displacement pump 54 is connected via a shut-off valve 56 to the inlet 58 of a container 60, the outlet of which is connected via a shut-off valve 62 to the inlet of a dry (oil-free) diaphragm compressor 64. The outlet of the membrane compressor is connected to the inlet x of a tritium removal device 66, which will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. The outlet y of the tritium removal device is connected to the inlet 58 of the container 60 via a ring line 68, which contains an activity measuring point 70 and a shut-off valve 72.

Zur Tritiumbeseitigung können verschiedene bekannte Einrichtungen alleine oder in Kombination verwendet werden. Die Einrichtung 66 kann gemäß Fig. 2 durch Druck-Tritiation von Linolsäure in Gegenwart eines Pd-Katalysators in einem Einweggefäß 74 erfolgen. Um dies einfach und sicher auswechseln zu können, sind zwischen der Pumpe 64 und dem Einlaß x bzw. zwischen dem Auslaß y und der Ringleitung 68 jeweils ein Absperrventil 76 bzw. 78 vorgesehen. Die Beseitigung von Tritium mit Hilfe von Linolsäure ist beispielsweise in der EP-B-43401 beschrieben. Das Einweggefäß 74 enthält eine mit Linolsäure und Pd-Katalysator getränkte Packung, die durch Absperrventile 80 verschließbar ist und nach Sättigung mit Tritium ausgewechselt und als Ganzes gelagert werden kann.Various known devices can be used alone or in combination to remove tritium. The device 66 can be carried out according to FIG. 2 by pressure tritiation of linoleic acid in the presence of a Pd catalyst in a disposable vessel 74. In order to be able to replace this easily and safely, a shut-off valve 76 or 78 is provided between the pump 64 and the inlet x or between the outlet y and the ring line 68. The removal of tritium with the help of linoleic acid is described for example in EP-B-43401. The disposable container 74 contains a pack impregnated with linoleic acid and Pd catalyst, which can be closed by shut-off valves 80 and, after saturation with tritium, can be replaced and stored as a whole.

Gemäß Fig. 3 kann die Einrichtung 66 eine Katalysatorkammer 82 und eine anschließende Absorberkammer 84 enthalten. In der Katalysatorkammer wird das gasförmige T2 oxidiert und das dabei entstehende tritiumhaltige Wasser wird in einer Molekularsiebpackung in der Absorberkammer 84 absorbiert. Die Absorberkammer 84 kann ähnlich wie es in Fig. 2 dargestellt ist, als Einweggefäß ausgebildet sein.3, the device 66 may contain a catalyst chamber 82 and a subsequent absorber chamber 84. The gaseous T 2 is oxidized in the catalyst chamber and the resulting tritium-containing water is absorbed in a molecular sieve packing in the absorber chamber 84. The Absorber chamber 84 can be designed as a disposable vessel, similar to that shown in FIG. 2.

Die Absorberkammer 84 kann auch ein Material, wie gebrannten Kalk oder Gips enthalten, in dem das tritiumhaltige Wasser chemisch oder als Kristallwasser gebunden wird.The absorber chamber 84 can also contain a material, such as quicklime or gypsum, in which the tritium-containing water is bound chemically or as crystal water.

Gemäß Fig. 4 enthält die Einrichtung 66 als erstes eine Absorberkammer 86 zum Absorbieren von tritiumhaltigem Wasser durch ein Molekularsieb (z. B. Zeolith) durch Gips, gebrannten Kalk und dergl. und anschließend eine Absorptionseinheit 88 zur Absorption von gasförmigem T2 unter Druck. Das Ventil 78 wird in diesem Falle dann als Drosselventil benutzt, um den erforderlichen Druck in der Einheit 88 zu erzeugen.4, the device 66 first contains an absorber chamber 86 for absorbing water containing tritium through a molecular sieve (e.g. zeolite) by gypsum, burnt lime and the like, and then an absorption unit 88 for absorbing gaseous T 2 under pressure. The valve 78 is then used as a throttle valve in this case to generate the required pressure in the unit 88.

Beim Betrieb der beschriebenen Anlage wird die Atmosphäre jedes einzelnen Arbeitsraumes 14 durch das entsprechend der Größe des Arbeitsraumes bemessene Gebläse 20 durch die eingeschaltete Sorptionskolonne 28a oder 28b umgewälzt. Die Kolonnen 28 sind so dimensioniert, daß ein Mehrfaches des gesamten Tritiuminventars an das Sorptionsmittel angelagert werden kann. Als Sorptionsmittel kann aktiviertes Palladiummetall auf Alpha-Aluminiumoxid-Trägermaterial verwendet werden. Die Kolonnenfüllung wird durch Ausheizen bei vermindertem Druck aktiviert. Dies geschieht vorzugsweise bei 200 bis 300° C und einem Druck von 10-1 bis 10-2 Pa. Die Ausheizdauer beträgt, je nach dem vorangegangenen Beladungsvorgang einige Stunden, im allgemeinen zwischen 2 und 6 Stunden.During the operation of the system described, the atmosphere of each individual working space 14 is circulated by the blower 20, which is dimensioned according to the size of the working space, through the switched-on sorption column 28a or 28b. The columns 28 are dimensioned such that a multiple of the total tritium inventory can be added to the sorbent. Activated palladium metal on an alpha alumina support material can be used as the sorbent. The column filling is activated by heating under reduced pressure. This is preferably done at 200 to 300 ° C and a pressure of 10- 1 to 10- 2 Pa. Depending on the previous loading process, the baking time is a few hours, generally between 2 and 6 hours.

An dem Sorptionsmittel wird gasförmiges Tritium (T2) und tritiumhaltiger Wasserdampf (THO und T20) reversibel durch Adsorption bzw. Lösung gebunden. Im Sorptionsmittel werden auch andere Stoffe aus dem umgewälzten Gas, wie normaler Wasserdampf und Sauerstoff gebunden. Hierdurch ergeben sich eine raschere Sättigung des Sorptionsmittels und kürzere Regenerierungsperioden.Gaseous tritium (T 2 ) and tritium-containing water vapor (THO and T 2 0) are reversibly bound to the sorbent by adsorption or solution. Other substances from the circulated gas, such as normal water vapor and oxygen, are also bound in the sorbent. This results in a faster saturation of the sorbent and shorter regeneration periods.

Eine Folge einer Sauerstoffaufnahme durch das Sorptionsmittel ist die Umwandlung des adsorbierten Tritiums in THO bzw. T20. Dieser Vorgang läuft teilweise bereits während des Absorptionsprozesses ab, die vollständige Umsetzung erfolgt während des Aufheizens des Sorptionsmaterials beim Reaktivieren.One consequence of an oxygen uptake by the sorbent is the conversion of the adsorbed tritium into THO or T 2 0. This process partly takes place during the absorption process, the complete conversion takes place during the heating of the sorption material during reactivation.

Wenn das Sorptionsmittel in der Sorptionskolonne 28a bis zu einem gewissen Grade gesättigt ist, was durch Vergleich der von 23 und 38 gemessenen Radioaktivitäten bestimmt wird, wird die Sorptionskolonne 28a aus dem Kreislauf abgetrennt und dafür die Sorptionskolonne 28b eingeschaltet. Hierzu werden Ventile 24a und 30a geschlossen und dafür die Ventile 24b und 30b geöffnet. Die Ventile 32a und 32b sind geschlossen.When the sorbent in the sorbent column 28a is saturated to a certain extent, which is determined by comparing the radioactivities measured by FIGS. 23 and 38, the sorbent column 28a is separated from the circuit and the sorbent column 28b is switched on. For this purpose, valves 24a and 30a are closed and for this purpose valves 24b and 30b are opened. The valves 32a and 32b are closed.

Die Regenerierung bzw. Reaktivierung des Sorptionsmittel in der Sorptionskolonne 28a erfolgt mittels der zentralen Einheit 12. Hierzu werden die Ventile 32a und 42a geöffnet (die Ventile 42b, 42c, sind geschlossen), die Heizvorrichtung 46a wird eingeschaltet, die Pumpenanordnung 50 wird in Betrieb gesetzt und das Ventil 56 wird geöffnet. Die Ventile 62 und 72 bleiben geschlossen. Während des Aufheizens des Sorptionsmittels in der Kolonne 28a wird durch die Turbomolekularpumpe 52 in der Kolonne 28a ein Vakuum von mindestens 10-1 bis 10-2 Pa erzeugt und dadurch die sorbierten Substanzen abtransportiert. Das von der Hochvakuumpumpe 52 abgesaugte Gas wird durch die Verdrängungspumpe 54 in den als Zwischenspeicher dienenden Behälter 60 gefördert. Die einen Heizmantel bildende Heizvorrichtung 46a heizt das Sorptionsmittel, das bei der bevorzugten Ausführungsform aus aktiviertem Palladiummetall auf Alpha-Aluminiumoxid-Trägermaterial besteht, auf etwa 200 bis 300° C auf. Wenn das Sorptionsmittel regeneriert ist, werden die Ventile 32a, 42a sowie 56 geschlossen und die Pumpenanordnung 50 wird abgestellt. Das im Behälter 60 enthaltene, tritiumhaltige Gasgemisch kann nun unter kontrollierten Bedingungen verarbeitet werden. Hierzu werden die Ventile 62, 72, 76 sowie 78 geöffnet und die Pumpe 64 wird angestellt. Das Gasgemisch aus dem Behälter 60 wird nun durch die Tritiumbeseitigungseinrichtung 66 zirkuliert, in der das Tritium und/oder tritiumhaltige Wasser gebunden werden, was mittels des Aktivitäts-Meßgerätes 70 überwacht wird.The sorbent in the sorption column 28a is regenerated or reactivated by means of the central unit 12. For this purpose, the valves 32a and 42a are opened (the valves 42b, 42c are closed), the heating device 46a is switched on, the pump arrangement 50 is started up and valve 56 is opened. Valves 62 and 72 remain closed. During heating of the sorbent in the column 28a, a vacuum is generated by at least 10- 1 to 10- 2 Pa by the turbo molecular pump 52 in the column 28a, and thereby removed the sorbed substances. The gas drawn off by the high-vacuum pump 52 is conveyed by the displacement pump 54 into the container 60 which serves as an intermediate store. The heater 46a forming a heating jacket heats the sorbent, which in the preferred embodiment consists of activated palladium metal on an alpha-alumina support material, to about 200 to 300 ° C. When the sorbent is regenerated, the valves 32a, 42a and 56 are closed and the pump arrangement 50 is switched off. The tritium-containing gas mixture contained in the container 60 can now be processed under controlled conditions. For this purpose, the valves 62, 72, 76 and 78 are opened and the pump 64 is started. The gas mixture from the container 60 is now circulated through the tritium removal device 66, in which the tritium and / or water containing tritium are bound, which is monitored by the activity measuring device 70.

Die Zentraleinheit oder gemeinsame Einheit 12 kann über die Ventile 42b, 42c, ... nach Bedarf an die anderen individuelle Einheiten 10b, 10c, ... angeschlossen werden.The central unit or common unit 12 can be connected via the valves 42b, 42c, ... to the other individual units 10b, 10c, ... as required.

Die Einrichtung gemäß der Erfindung weist eine Reihe wesentlicher Vorteil auf:The device according to the invention has a number of significant advantages:

Die Sorptionskolonne 28 können speziell an die in der zugehörigen Einheit 10 installierten Experimente und Einrichtungen 16 angepaßt werden. Die Kapazität der Sorptionskolonne wird entsprechend dem T-Inventar und dem Gefährdungspotential ausgelegt. Entsprechendes gilt für das Gebläse 20, dessen Förderkapazität entsprechend dem Volumen des zugehörigen Arbeitsraumes 14 ausgelegt werden kann.The sorption column 28 can be specially adapted to the experiments and devices 16 installed in the associated unit 10. The capacity of the sorption column is designed according to the T inventory and the hazard potential. The same applies to the blower 20, the delivery capacity of which can be designed in accordance with the volume of the associated work space 14.

Über die Sammelleitung 44 können beliebig viele individuelle Einheiten an die zentrale oder gemeinsam Einheit 12 angeschlossen werden.Any number of individual units can be connected to the central or common unit 12 via the bus 44.

Bei Erschöpfung des Sorptionsmittels, z. B. der Kolonne 28a, kann die redundante Sorptionskolonne 28b so lange betrieben werden, bis die erste Sorptionskolonne 28a regeneriert ist. Die zweite Sorptionskolonne kann also hinsichtlich der Kapazität kleiner ausgelegt werden, da sie im Prinzip nur während der Regenerierung der "Hauptkolonne" benötigt wird.When the sorbent is exhausted, e.g. B. the column 28a, the redundant sorption column 28b can be operated until the first sorption column 28a is regenerated. The second sorption column can therefore be made smaller in terms of capacity, since in principle it is only required during the regeneration of the "main column".

Die Zentraleinheit oder gemeinsame Einheit 12, die die Pumpenanordnung 50, den Behälter 60 und den Kompressor 64 enthält, also die apparativ aufwendigsten Einheiten der Anlage, braucht nur ein einziges Mal vorhanden zu sein.The central unit or common unit 12, which contains the pump arrangement 50, the container 60 and the compressor 64, that is to say the most complex units of the system in terms of equipment, need only be present once.

Wenn vorwiegend tritiumhaltiges Wasser aus den Arbeitsräumen zu beseitigen ist, erfolgt die letztliche Beseitigung des Tritiums vorzugsweise nach dem Oxidation/Absorptions-Prinzip. Wenn jedoch hauptsächlich gasförmigs T2 anfällt, hat das TROC-Verfahren (Bindung des Tritiums an einer ungesättigten organischen Verbindung) Vorteile.If predominantly tritium-containing water has to be removed from the work rooms, this is done Ultimate removal of the tritium, preferably according to the oxidation / absorption principle. However, if mainly gaseous T 2 is produced, the TROC process (binding of tritium to an unsaturated organic compound) has advantages.

Wenn ausschließlich tritiumhaltiges Wasser zur Beseitigung vorliegt, was dann der Fall ist, wenn gleichzeitig mit Tritium auch 02 an das Sorptionsmittel gebunden wird, können auch andere Trocknungsmittel als Molekularsiebe, z. B. Kalk, Gips usw. in der Beseitigungseinrichtung verwendet werden.If only tritium-containing water is available for disposal, which is the case when 0 2 is also bound to the sorbent with tritium, drying agents other than molecular sieves, e.g. B. lime, gypsum, etc. can be used in the disposal facility.

Die Beseitigungseinrichtung 66 kann auch mehrere verschiedene Beseitigungseinrichtungen, z. B. die gemäß Fig. 2 bis 4, enthalten, die über entsprechende Ventile wahlweise in den Kreislauf einschaltbar sind.The eliminator 66 may also include several different eliminators, e.g. B. contain according to FIGS. 2 to 4, which can be optionally switched into the circuit via corresponding valves.

Beispielexample

Bei einem praktisch realisierten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist der Arbeitsraum 14 eine Glove-Box mit einem Volumen von 6 m3 und He-Atmosphäre. Das Gebläse 20 hat eine Förderleistung von 20 m3/h, so daß also die Atmosphäre der Glove-Box etwa dreimal in der Stunde umgewälzt wird. Die Absorptionskolonne 28a besteht aus einem zylindrischen Edelstahlrohr mit einem Durchmesser von 20 cm und einer Höhe von 2 m. In diesem Rohr befinden sich zehn Körbe mit jeweils 2 kg eines Pd/A1203-Absorptionsmittels (0,5 % Pd auf aus Alpha-AI203-bestehenden Kugeln von 4 mm Durchmesser) auf Drahtgeflecht-Sieben angeordnet, insgesamt also 20 kg. Dieses Absorptionsmittel wird vor dem Gebrauch aktiviert, indem es unter einem Vakuum von 10-2 Pa etwa 4 Stunden auf 220° C erhitzt wird. Dadurch werden alle Feuchtigkeitsspuren und Gase ausgetrieben.In a practically implemented embodiment of the invention, the working space 14 is a glove box with a volume of 6 m 3 and He atmosphere. The blower 20 has a delivery rate of 20 m 3 / h, so that the atmosphere of the glove box is circulated about three times an hour. The absorption column 28a consists of a cylindrical stainless steel tube with a diameter of 20 cm and a height of 2 m. In this tube there are ten baskets, each with 2 kg of a Pd / A1 2 0 3 absorbent (0.5% Pd on 4 mm diameter balls made of alpha-Al 2 0 3 ), arranged on wire mesh sieves, in total 20 kg. This absorbent is activated before use by heating for about 4 hours at 220 ° C under a vacuum of 10- 2 Pa. This will expel all traces of moisture and gases.

Bei einem ersten Test wurden 60 ml H2 in eine Glove-Box eingespritzt, was auf T2 umgerechnet ca. 1500 Ci, d. h. etwa 250 Ci/m3 entsprach, und das Gebläse wurde bei abgekühltem Adsorbens in Betrieb genommen. Bereits nach dreißigminütiger Betriebszeit konnte in der Glove-Box kein H2 mehr nachgewiesen werden, was bedeutet, daß innerhalb dieser Zeit mehr als 99 % der Anfangskonzentration durch Adsorption abgebaut wurde.In a first test 60 ml H were injected into a glove box 2, which on T 2 converted approximately 1500 Ci ie, approximately 250 Ci / m 3 corresponded and the fan was taken at cooled adsorbent in operation. After just 30 minutes of operation, no more H 2 could be detected in the glove box, which means that more than 99% of the initial concentration was reduced by adsorption within this time.

Bei einem zweiten Versuch mit Tritium und THO ergab sich, daß die Adsorption von T2 zwar rascher verläuft als die von THO, letzteres wird jedoch auch noch mit ausreichender Schnelligkeit adsorbiert, so daß sich eine Restaktivität von nur wenigen !J.Ci/m3 in relativ kurzer Zeit erzielen läßt.A second experiment with tritium and THO showed that the adsorption of T 2 is faster than that of THO, but the latter is also adsorbed with sufficient rapidity so that a residual activity of only a few! J.Ci/m3 in can be achieved in a relatively short time.

Bei einer Modifikation der oben beschriebenen Anlage ist die Zentraleinheit mit den Einheiten 10a, 10b, ... nicht fest verbunden, sondern als fahrbare Einheit ausgebildet, die nach Bedarf zu den verschiedenen Einheiten 10 gefahren und über eine entsprechende Rohrleitungskupplung an diejenige Einheit 10 angeschlossen werden kann, deren Sorptionseinrichtung gerade zu regenerieren ist.In a modification of the system described above, the central unit is not permanently connected to the units 10a, 10b, ..., but is designed as a mobile unit which is driven to the various units 10 as required and is connected to that unit 10 via a corresponding pipe coupling can, whose sorption device is currently being regenerated.

Claims (7)

1. Installation for purifying the gas atmospheres of a plurality of separate closed working spaces by removing injurious, particularly radioactive, gases, such as tritium, having an individual gas circuit including a circulating pump for each working space, characterised in that each gas circuit includes a regenerable device (28) for separating and temporarily storing the gases to be removed and an apparatus (46) for liberating the stored gases and that a common gas removal unit (12) is provided which is selectively connectable to the separation and storage device of each working space circuit and includes a vacuum pump arrangement (50) for withdrawing gases liberated in the device (28) to which it is connected, a container for receiving the withdrawn gases and a device connected to the container for retaining the gases to be removed.
2. Installation as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the regenerable device includes a regenerable tritium sorption device (28) and that the common gas removal unit (12) includes a device (66) for retaining tritium- containing components of the withdrawn gases.
3. Installation as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the regenerable tritium sorption device (28) includes a sorption agent which may be regenerated by heating.
4. Installation as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the circulating pump (20) is arranged within the working space (14).
5. Installation as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the pump arrangement (50) of the common unit (12) includes an oil-free high vacuum pump (52) and an oil-free displacement pump connected downstream thereof.
6. Installation as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the container (60) of the common unit (12) and the device (66) for retaining the gases to be removed are connected in series with a pump (64) in a gas circuit.
7. Installation as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the common unit (12) includes a plurality of different devices, which may be selectively switched in, for absorbing the gas components to be removed, particularly those containing tritium.
EP86100009A 1985-03-28 1986-01-02 Installation for purifying the gaseous atmospheres of several separate closed work rooms Expired EP0197235B1 (en)

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AT86100009T ATE38450T1 (en) 1985-03-28 1986-01-02 DEVICE FOR CLEANING THE GAS ATMOSPHERES OF SEVERAL SEPARATE, ENCLOSED WORKSPACES.

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DE3511320 1985-03-28
DE3511320A DE3511320C1 (en) 1985-03-28 1985-03-28 Device for cleaning the gas atmosphere of several work rooms

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DE3511320C1 (en) 1986-10-09
ATE38450T1 (en) 1988-11-15
EP0197235A1 (en) 1986-10-15
DE3661116D1 (en) 1988-12-08
JPS61274298A (en) 1986-12-04
US4741882A (en) 1988-05-03

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