Metrics for comparing plasma mass filters

Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion

Zweben

et al. 2017

Abstract. The ability to separate large volumes of mixed species based on atomic mass appears desirable for a variety of emerging applications with high societal impact. One possibility to meet this objective consists in leveraging mass differential effects in rotating plasmas. Beyond conventional centrifugation, rotating plasmas offer in principle additional ways to separate elements based on mass. Single ion orbits show that ion radial mass separation in a uniform magnetized plasma column can be achieved by applying a tailored electric potential profile across the column, or by driving a rotating magnetic field within the column. Furthermore, magnetic pressure and centrifugal effects can be combined in a non-uniform geometry to separate ions based on mass along the field lines. Practical application of these separation schemes hinges on the ability to produce the desirable electric and magnetic field configuration within the plasma column.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Harnessing mass differential confinement effects in magnetized rotating plasmas to address new separation needs

Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion

Zweben

et al. 2017

“…This study was not intended to converge towards the final design of a mass separator for burned nuclear fuel management, but was aimed at advocating rotating plasma devices as promising candidates for closing the nuclear fuel cycle in next generation nuclear power plants (Fetterman & Fisch 2011b;Timofeev 2014). In addition to a short review of existing concepts and results given in section two, new classes of field configurations and plasma processes for this strategic purpose were uncovered in this paper, and a rotating plasma driven by a rotating magnetic field was identified as a new candidate to solve the unsolved problem of plasma mass separation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rotation and instabilities for isotope and mass separation

2016

J. Plasma Phys.

Rotating plasmas have the potential to offer unique capabilities for isotope and mass separation. Among the various electric and magnetic field configurations offering mass separation capabilities, rotating plasmas produced through static or oscillating fields are shown to be a leading candidate for tackling the unsolved problem of large-scale plasma separation. The successful development and deployment of industrial-scale plasma separation technologies could, among many other applications, provide an innovative path towards advanced sustainable nuclear energy. In this context, the potential and versatility of plasma rotation induced by rotating magnetic fields is uncovered and analysed. Analytical stability diagrams are derived from rotating ion orbits as a function of ion mass. Based on these findings, the basic principles of a rotating field plasma separator are then introduced. In light of these results, challenges associated with this original separation process are underlined, and the main directions for a future research program aimed at this important unsolved problem of applied plasma physics are identified.

“…It is worth noting here that although plasma centrifuges are conceptually similar to liquid or gas centrifuges, they differ in that rotation is produced through electromagnetic effects, which allows to operate plasma centrifuges at much larger rotation speeds than their liquid and gaseous counterparts. Since the separation power of a centrifuge depends on the square of the rotation speed 79 , higher separation are achievable in a single unit.…”

Section: B Plasma Separationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Opportunities for plasma separation techniques in rare earth elements recycling

Journal of Cleaner Production

Fisch

2018

Self Cite

Rare earth elements recycling has been proposed to alleviate supply risks and market volatility. In this context, the potential of a new recycling pathway, namely plasma mass separation, is uncovered through the example of nedodymium -iron -boron magnets recycling. Plasma mass separation is shown to address some of the shortcomings of existing rare earth elements recycling pathways, in particular detrimental environmental effects. A simplified mass separation model suggests that plasma separation performances could compare favourably with existing recycling options. In addition, simple energetic considerations of plasma processing suggest that the cost of these techniques may not be prohibitive, particularly considering that energy costs from solar may become significantly cheaper. Further investigation and experimental demonstration of plasma separation techniques should permit asserting the potential of these techniques against other recycling techniques currently under development.