Absorption breakthrough of hydrogen isotopes and desorption in a zirconium-vanadium particle bed

Selective absorption of hydrogen isotopes in an inert gas such as helium or argon is an important operation in the fuel cycle of a DT fusion reactor. A process utilizing a zirconium-vanadium particle bed was investigated experimentally and numerically as one of the most effective methods for hydrogen isotope absorption. The diffusion equation in the solid and the material balance equation in the bed were computed simultaneously. It was found that the numerical results are in good agreement with experimental data for various bed conditions. The hydrogen concentrations at the outlet of the bed were less than I ppm and ZrV₂ can absorb comparatively large amounts of hydrogen (the maximum amount of this work is ZrV₂H_2.9). Apparently no significant pulverization occurred and the rates of absorption and desorption were reproduced regardless of the number of cycles. The absorption and desorption rates of hydrogen isotopes were found to be fast enough for this method to be used as a hydrogen recovery process in the fuel cycle of the fusion reactor.