Perspectives of Industrial Separation of Zirconium Isotopes by Laser Assisted Retardation of Condensation Method

Modern researches indicate many possible ways of isotopically enriched materials applications in different spheres of human activity. In particular, zirconium isotope enriched materials can be used in nuclear industry in order to save fuel. Therefore, the problem of finding cheaper ways of zirconium isotope separation arises. In this paper we focus on this issue by proposing optimal design of industrial facility for zirconium isotope separation by laser assisted retardation of condensation (SILARC) method. Optimal parameters for this facility were found from the optimization criterion based on the transport model for rarefied gas flow dynamics in external laser field specifically tuned for selective excitation of target isotopes, Eerkens (Laser Part Beams 23:225, 2005). Because product cut and enrichment factor corresponding to the optimal conditions are rather small, isotopes should be recovered iteratively. By developing appropriate model for gas flow separation we have found the optimal values of laser intensity, gas flow temperature, nozzle throat area, and number of nozzles.