Dynamic simulation tools for isotopic separation system modeling and design

Author(s)
Eduardo Iraola, José María Nougués, Luis Sedano, Josep Anton Feliu, Lluís Batet

Magazine
2021. Fusion Engineering and Design vol. 169, August, Pages: (online)

Abstract/Summary
Cryogenic distillation is the best candidate for hydrogen isotopic separation in fusion power plants. The design of the ITER’s Isotope Separation System can still undergo major changes due to its close contact with the Water Detritiation System and this will be decisive in the design of future DEMO detritiation facilities. Dynamic simulation tools are key in the analysis and design of tritium processing systems and the use of commercial simulators can be especially valuable to this end and may add capabilities in terms of standardization of industrial-scale fusion plant modeling and conjunction of operator training systems, human-machine interface and process monitoring and control. The present work proposes the use of a commercial dynamic process simulator such as Aspen HYSYS given its abilities to overcome the challenges described. This document presents the implementation of a cryogenic distillation column in Aspen HYSYS by setting the thermodynamic principles upon which the simulation is founded and verifying isotopic separation models with experimental data available in the literature.

Dynamic simulation tools for isotopic separation system modeling and design