Nuclear Engineering and Technology (Apr 2023)
Investigation of 180W separation by transient single withdrawal cascade using Salp Swarm optimization algorithm
Abstract
The 180W is the lightest isotope of Tungsten with small abundance ratio. It is slightly radioactive (α decay), with an extremely long half-life. Its separation is possible by non-conventional single withdrawal cascades. The 180W is used in radioisotopes production and study of metals through gamma-ray spectroscopy. In this paper, single withdrawal cascade model is developed to evaluate multicomponent separation in non-conventional transient cascades, and available experimental results are used for validation. Numerical studies for separation of 180W in a transient single withdrawal cascade are performed. Parameters affecting the separation and equilibrium time of cascade such as number of stages, cascade arrangements, feed location and flow rate for a fixed number of gas centrifuges (GC) are investigated. The Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA) as a bio-inspired optimization algorithm is applied as a novel method to minimize the feed consumption to obtain desired concentration in the collection tank. Examining different cascade arrangements, it is observed in arrangements with more stages, the separation is further efficient. Based on the obtained results, with increasing feed flow rate, for fixed product concentration, the cascade equilibrium time decreases. Also, it is shown while the feed location is the farthest stage from the collection tank, the separation and cascade equilibrium time are well-organized. Finally, using SSA optimal parameters of the cascade is calculated, and optimal arrangement to produce 5 gr of 180W with 90% concentration in the tank, is proposed.
