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Fusion energy: Progress, partnerships, and the path to deployment
Over the past decade, fusion energy has moved decisively from scientific aspiration toward a credible pathway to a new energy technology. Thanks to long-term federal support, we have significantly advanced our fundamental understanding of plasma physics—the behavior of the superheated gases at the heart of fusion devices. This knowledge will enable the creation and control of fusion fuel under conditions required for future power plants. Our progress is exemplified by breakthroughs at the National Ignition Facility and the Joint European Torus.
L. K. Heung, G. C. Staack
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 48 | Number 1 | July-August 2005 | Pages 585-588
Technical Paper | Tritium Science and Technology - Materials Interaction and Permeation | doi.org/10.13182/FST05-A993
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The use of catalysts to improve the exchange kinetics between hydrogen isotopes in the gas phase and that in the solid phase was investigated. Granules of alumina, silica and molecular sieve were coated with platinum as the catalyst. The granules saturated with water at room humidity were packed in a 2-cm diameter column for isotope exchange tests. Deuterium and protium were alternately fed through the column at a constant rate. Isotope concentration in column effluent was monitored to generate isotope break-through curves. The curves were analyzed to produce information on the kinetics and capacity of the material. The results showed that all materials tested provided some extent of isotope exchange but some were superior both in kinetics and capacity. This paper will present the test results.