IGCAR : Annual Report - Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research

IGC
Annual Report 2007
used for predicting the
enrichments that could be
achieved later in the columns.
The accuracy of the
mathematical model is
assessed by comparing isotopic
enrichment profiles obtained
during operation with
theoretical values obtained
using mathematical model.
Table 1 : Analysis of data for pilot plant using fine resin
The calculations carried out
for the data obtained during
operation of pilot plant using
fine resin are listed in Table 1.
The samples for isotopic profile
were taken after 18m and 36m
of band movement. It can be
seen from the results that the
projected enrichments are
within ±10% error. Hence, the
mathematical model gives
confidence in simulation of
boron enrichment process.
Based on the results of these
experiments, the Augmented
Boron Enrichment Plant(ABEP)
was designed for the
production of boron enriched
10
in B. Fig.2 shows a
photograph of the plant. The
plant consists of two streams of
ion exchange columns each
having 5 process ion exchange
columns interconnected in
series. One external
regeneration column is
provided for each stream. The
fine resin was charged to
process ion exchange columns
and pretreated for 5 cycles of
OH - Cl exchange by using
1.25N NaOH and 1.0 N HCl
followed by intermittent
washing with DM water. In the
final cycle of pretreatment, the
resin was retained in hydroxyl
form and thoroughly washed
with DM water. Boric acid
Fig.2 A view of augmented boron
enrichment plant.
Fig.3 Enrichment profile obtained after operation of ABEP for 2 months
66 R&D FOR FBRs