Production of heavy water

Abstract

Engineering details of the Spevack process for the production of heavy water by dual temperature exchange using hydrogen sulfide are reported. Schematic flow diagrams showing pracipal towers and liquid flow paths are given for the Savannah and Dana Plants. Carbon steel is corroded by H2S la water, but the iron sulfide that is fomned acts as a protective coating. Although corrosion is very rapid at first, it drops to a rate so low as to be negligible after about 1000 hr. Various measures are discussed which reduce this corrosion even farther. Dump valves connected to a 400 ft stack for burning H/sub 2/S in event of leakage, elaborate monitoring systems, gas masks, and all men working in Pairs are all part of the safety program being employed. Production rates and the economics of both the Dana and Savannah Plants are reported. (C.J.G.)