Separation of Nitrogen Isotopes by Displacement Band Chromatography

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A study of the separation of 14N and 15N isotopes via displacement band chronatography was conducted using sulfonated styrene-divinylbenzene resins. Starting with a feed solution of 0.5 N NH4OH (containing 51% 15N), a band was developed that generated a concentration profile ranging from 11 to 85 % 15N. The separative power and HETP (height equivalent to a theoretical plate) were found to be dependent on the resin characteristics (size, crosslinkage) and operating parameters (superficial velocity, concentration). The use of a 7/10-microneter-size, high performance resin increased the separative power by a factor of 17 and decreased the HETP by a factor of 10, when compared to a 100/200 mesh Dowex 50W-X12 resin under similar process conditions. The HETP could further be reduced by lowering the superficial velocity and/or eluant concentration.