Theses and Dissertations Collection

Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, and its decay product, helium-3, have enormous market value. Both gases are used in multiple applications which require these gases to be periodically replaced. Often, tritium-containing mixed gases are treated as nuclear waste when replaced rather than recycled, requiring the costly production of new gas. This work investigates an economical, scalable approach to recycling a gas stream containing mixed tritium/helium-3. Separation methods are discussed generally, followed by an examination of specific methods effective for separating tritium. An apparatus and process for conducting this separation is detailed, and the results of testing that apparatus are presented. A discussion of how to avoid the problems encountered using the apparatus leads to an improved, new separation system design. Simulation shows that this new system will be capable of economical, scalable recycling of tritium and helium-3.