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resulting ratios of 41K/39K abundance as measured by the mass spectrometer were,
respectively, 0.07 (the natural abundance), 0.02 and 4. The abundance ratio of 4
A-18
corresponds to a more than tenfold enrichment of '+lK.
In addition to potassium ions, work has been done on neon, argon, xenon and
uranium toward resolving the ion cyclotron resonances for individual positive ions.
The work with uranium is proceeding toward estimates of realistic operating parameters
(ion densities, magnetic field strength, isotopic excitation energies, device length,
ion temperatures, and collector types).
A second process involves the achievement of a UF6 plasma by chemi-ionization.
UF6 molecules are accelerated by expansion with an inert carrier gas through a
supersonic jet. A cross beam of alkali metal molecules results in the formation of
NA' or Cs' and UF6'. A radio-frequency quadrupole mass filter deflects the 238UF6
out of the plasma beam, permitting the separation of the two isotopes by collection
of the two beams on separate baffles cooled by liquid nitrogen. This process seems
to have less potential than the first.
Comparison of Advanced Separation Processes
The estimated costs of the processes mentioned are compared in Table A-3
with that of gaseous diffusion. With two exceptions, the table is based on process
evaluations made by the Nuclear Division of the Union Carbide Corporation17 for
ERDA. For the exceptions, which are the FRG's separation nozzle and South Africa's
stationary-walled centrifuge, the comparison is based on published statements by the
developers of the process. Of all the processes listed, only the costs for the
centrifuge, and possibly for the separation nozzle, are known with any degree
of certainty .
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