The Separative Power of Short Countercurrent Columns

Abstract

For separating isotopes on a large scale, the separative power of a unit is its most important feature. For a countercurrent device it is commonly assumed that its separative power is a maximum throughout the column. A detailed treatment of the equation of a square cascade, which is formally equal to the column equation, shows that it depends on the way how the square cascade is operated. In most cases the column is operated as a closed unit, under which circumstances the separative power is reduced to 80% of its maximum value.