Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology

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Basic Characteristics of Centrifuges, (IV)

Tsunetoshi KAI

To cite this article: Tsunetoshi KAI (1977) Basic Characteristics of Centrifuges, (IV), Journal of
Nuclear Science and Technology, 14:7, 506-518, DOI: 10.1080/18811248.1977.9730794

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Journal of NuCLEAR SciENCE and TECHNOLOGY, 14(7], pp. 506-518 (July 1977).

Basic Characteristics of Centrifuges, (IV)

Analysis of Separation Performance of Centrifuges

Tsunetoshi KAI
Tokai Works, Power Reactor and l':uclear Fuel
De1•e!opment Corpotation*

Received February 4, 197 6

Rez·ised February 4, 1977

A method of numerically solving the convection-diffusion equation is presented for a

binary isotopic gas mixture in the axisymmetric velocity field. A modified Newton's
method is employed to perform the numerical integration without the assumptions that
the pressure can be estimated from the rigid rotation model and the temperature of gas
is uniform. A suitable form of the finite difference equation gives a computationally
stable integration with reasonable representation of the molar concentration distribution
of isotopic molecules in a rotating cylinder. The method includes a Gaussian elimination
procedure which consists of the transformation of the Jacobian matrix to a triangular
matrix followed by the backward elimination.
Computations are made on UFr. gas in various centrifuges which have the openings
for feed, product and waste on the end plates. Discussions are also presented on gas
f!O\\"S and separative efficiencies for the centrifuges which have baffle plates, skirting
plates and bellows.
KEYWORDS: convection-diffusion equation, modified Newton's method, num·
erical solution, pressure gradients, numerical integration, molar concentration,
Gaussian elimination, openings, endplates, efficiency, gas centrifuges

I. INTRODUCTION carried out a numerical analysis of the diffu-

In the previous paper 0 '. we provided a
method of numerically solving a diffusion
equation with the knowledge of the velocity
field and the total pressure of gas in a
rotating cylinder. The method was success-
fully used to investigate the separative
efficiency of various gas centrifuges by ap-
plying a simplified gas flow, although it was
limited in linear analysis. In the preceding
paper of this seriesc 2 J, we also proposed a
method of numerically integrating the Navier-
Stokes equations for axisymmetric compress-
ible flows \Vithout neglecting any of the
non-linear terms included. The method gives
reasonable representation of the spacial char-
acteristics of the gas flow in centrifuges
within reasonably acceptable computation
time. Recently Nakayama & Toriic'J also
sion equation by assuming small N (N<t1),
equilibrium pressure distribution and the flow
pattern based on their linear analysisc•J. For
the critical appraisal of the separation per-
formance of centrifuges, it is necessary to
obtain such fine solutions of the flow and
diffusion equations that the mass and isotope
conservations are properly satisfied.
In the present paper, a suitable method
is given for numerically solving the convec-
tion-diffusion equation without neglecting its
non-linearity and assuming the small devia-
tion of the pressure from the rigid rotation
state by conforming the grid system to that
used in the analysis of gas flow in centri-
fuges("). Some features of solutions are dis-
cussed for various types of centrifuges.
• Tokai-mum, Ibaraki-ken.

-40-
Vol. 14, No. 7 (July 1977)
Discussions are also made on the effect of
cut, pressure, cylinder temperature, super-
and subsonic feeds, and inside blocks such
as batHe plates, skirting plates and bellows
on the separative efficiency.
ll. FUNDAMENTAL EQUATIONS
AND NUMERICAL TECHNIQUES
We shall consider the molar concentration
distribution of the lighter isotopic species of
a binary isotopic mixture in a cylinder ro-
tating about its axis with a constant angular
velocity. The present analysis assumes that
(1) both the molar concentration distribu-
tion and the flow are axisymmetric; the
steady flow of gas in the cylinder is
determined by the procedure described
in the previous paper,
(2) the gas can be treated as a perfect
gas.
(3) pD is constant,
( 4) the effect of gas rarefaction is negli-
gible.
Although all the previous studies 0 Jc'JCGJ-c•J
assumes negligibly small deviation of the
pressure from the rigid rotation state and
uniform temperature of the gas, the present
analysis eliminates both of these assumptions.
If we take a system of cylindrical coordi-
nates (r*, 8,., z*) which rotates with the
cylinder, the appropriate equation of the
separation of isotopes based on the pressure
diffusion in the velocity field may be written
m the follO\\'ing dimensionless form :
K[N]
-a, c-· \') +r··ar•
_a P Po· c-· u)J
1 a c···\'PuP
7 •
+ d~[.\',o 0 (p*w)]
- f:~r ·a [r• aN+ .:J .4 r*l\'(1- A') a (In P)]
r* ar• ar• A ar•
a [as
- E"d.z• az·+-:---1. a (I nP )]-o
LIA nMc 1- l\') az•
-[b 61 ;(,i5~u)i+LjNui+Li+d 1 ;(N;+ 1 ,j- .T\·;i)+ Tl;iiYui+!.i(1- Nui+],)]
+[b.2;(,o;,u)ijNuij+d.;(N;i- N; -l,j)- T.;/';uij(1-l\'u;j)]
507
For the definition of symbols included in this
equation see NOMENCLATURE (see also APP!-:1'-
DI.\: 1 in the previous paperC 2l). The derivative
with respect to time in Eq. ( 1 ) can be elimi-
nated, since the modified Newton's method
employed in this work allows the direct de-
termination of the steady distribution of
isotopic species in a rotating cylinder.
The boundary conditions are as follows:
(1) At the feed inlet on the end plate, the
boundary value of N is taken to be the
molar concentration of the lighter iso-
topic species in the feed gas.
(2) At the product and waste outlets on
the end plates,
aN
dz·=O ·
On the perfectly heat-conductive surfaces
through which the gas does not flow, and
on the central axis, there are no isotope
transportation. Then
(3) On the surface of the outside wall
aN .:JA \'( 1 !\')a (I )-O
ar· ·A _j_. 1
- tJr• n P- ·
(4) On the surface of the end plates
~~+ ~4 N(1-N)a~-.(ln P)=O.
(5) On the central axis
a~_v _
ar·- 0 -
We shall use the same grid arrangement
as that used in the numerical analysis of gas
flowsc•J in transforming the above equation
to a finite difference form. Here N;i is de-
fined at the same point as that of P~.i and
Tii. On the replacement of Eq. ( 1 ) by the
finite difference, we shall also use the same
procedure as used in the replacement of the
continuity equation such as
s: "s:+ K[N]r*dr*dz*.
1 1
- ·
In this procedure the first order derivatives
in the square brackets of Eq. ( 1) are re-
(1) placed by the usual central difference. This
yields the following finite difference equation
- .u -
508 ]. Nucl. Sci. Techno/.,

-[b.iP~vw);.J+tNwi.J+I +da;d, 1(N;, 1+1- N;)+ T 3 ; 1.Vwi.i+ 1(1- N wi.;+ 1 )]

+[b.ip~w); 1 Nw; 1 +d,;d, 1 (N;i- N;, 1 _ 1)+ T,; 1 N w;. 1(1- N w;)]=O. ( 2)
where dli=d 0 ;(EK)r;'+Jih;, d2i = d0 ;(EK)r;* /hi-h
d,j=EK/(k/lj), d5 j=EK/(kjkj-1)

rlii= do;{ (EK · 2.1A) r;"~ 1 + ( EK :l_A)r;'," 1r& 1 ·~:~+_t,)~.r;if;~_}

A h;(Pui+I,JTui+I,J)
r2ii= do;{ (E" ·2.1A)r;'2 + ( £" ~ll)rt fi;Jr;i- ~!-~./;';-_l.l}
A h;-t(PuiJTuiJ)
raij= flOi(EK .1/l)PI.j+l r;,J+C P;ir\r~2 - r*~)
2kj A kj("p~i,j+IT~i,j+l) l+l '
r,ii= do;(E".JA)p;/J:;cp:.i-~!Tlt~J(r~2 -r*2)
2ki A k 1 _ 1 (p~iJT7,i) •+I '

Nu : N at the point where u is defined.

Nw: N at the point where w is defined.

In :Eq. ( 2 ), the terms in the first square isotope transportation, and then the corre-
bracket refer to the transportation of the sponding terms are set to be zero. It is
lighter isotope from the (i, j) cell to the easily verified that this procedure meets the
(i+ 1, j) cell, the second ones to that from boundary condition stated above. By this
(i-1, j) to (i, j), the third ones to that from unique form of Eq. ( 2 ) and the procedure
(i, j) to (i, j + 1) and the last ones to that for the boundary condition the isotope con-
from (i, j -1) to (i, j). On the surface through servation is automatically satisfied for the
which the gas does not flow, there is no whole assembly of the cells in the cylinder.
Equation ( 2) can be written as
Y.v; 1= {- rlijhhi+l} NP+t.j+ {- rlij · 21zRi+1hLi+J Ni+!.jNij
+ {-b.!i(;o;,u);+!.jhRi+l +dli+ rlijhRi+l} Ni+!.j
+ {-r~; 1 hL+I+r2ijhh;-raijkL,~+T,; 1 khj} Ni~
+ {-b61i(p;.u)i+!.jlzLi+l-dli+ rlijlzLi+l + b62i(p:.u);jhRi
-d2i- r 2ijlzRi -b9j(p~W);,j+lk Lj+l- da;d;j+ r aijk Lj+l
+b.j(p~w);jk Rj-da;d,j- r 4ijkRj} Nij
+ {T 2ij. 2hRihL;} N;jNi-!.j+ {T 2ijhU NP-I.j
+ {b,zJ;o:.u)ijhLi+d2i- r2ijhL;} Ni-l.j
+ {-r.ijkh1+tl NPj+l + {- r.ij' 2kRj+lkLj+l} Ni.j+INij
+ {-b.i(P~vw)i,j+lkRj+l +d,;d,j+ r 3ijkRj+l} Ni,j+l
+ {T,;i·2kRJkL) N; 1 N;.J-I+ {T,;ikL} Ni~J-1
+ {b.j(P:vw);jkLj+da;d,j- r,ijkL) Ni,j-1
+ {- r.ij' 2kRj+lkLj+l} Ni.j+!Nij+ {- r.ijk11+1} Ni;j+l
+ {T,; 1 ·2kRikLi} N; 1 Ni.J-1+ {T,;ik'U N? 1-1=0 ( 3)

Since the values of p*, u, v, w and T* at
each mesh point are determined by the
method described in the previous paper< 2 J,
the application of the finite difference equa-
tion, Eq. ( 3 ), to each of the cells yields a
set of simultaneous non-linear algebraic equa-
tions which includes imax Xi max unknowns N; 1•
This set of simultaneous equations is solved
by a modified Newton's method as used in
the determination of steady flow in a rotat-
ing cylinder. In this computation we use a
Gaussian elimination method which consists

-42-
Vol. 14, No. 7 (July 1977) 509

of the forward elimination of the Jacobian respect to all the variables Nkz included in
matrix followed by the backward substitu- Eq. ( 3) facilitates the construction of the
tion. Total differentiation of Y N;J with Jacobian matrix. The total derivatives L1YN;J
is given by

L1YN;j=[ -bsli(p:u)i+I.jhRi+l +dti+ rlijhRi+l-2r lijhlu+tNi+I.j

-Ftii·2hRi+thLi+tNii]L1Ni+t.i
+[ -b61i(p:u)i+I.jhLi+l-dli+ rlijhLi+l +b62i(p:u);jhRi-d2i- r2ijhRi
-b9/P:0W )i.j+lk Lj+l -da;d.j+ r 3ijkLj+l + b9/P:Ow );jk Rj-da;dsj
- r4ijkRi- rlij · 2hRi+lhLi+lNi+t.j
+ {-Fli 1h'ii+l.j+ r 2ijh1u- r aijk'ij+l +r.ijk'h1 } 2N;j+ r.ij · 2hRihLiNi-1.j
- r 3ij • 2kRj+lk Lj+l Ni.j+l +r.ij · 2kRjk LjNi.j-1JL1 Nij
+ [b62i(p:u);jhLi+d.;- r 2ijhLi +r 2ij 2hRihLiNij+ r 2ijhL
0 0
2N; -1.j]L1 N; -l.j
+[ -b9/P:0W);,j+lkRJ+l +d 3 ;d4 i+ FaijkRJ+l- Fsij • 2kRJ+!kLi+tNij
- Fa;jkki+l · 2Ni.J+,]L1 Ni.J+l
+ [b9/P:Ow );jk Lj+daidsr- r.ijk Lj+ r 4ij 0
2k Rjk LjNij
+ F.;ik'ii· 2Ni.J-l]L1 Ni.J-1 (4)

The elements of the Jacobian matrix are specified as input parameters,

represented by the terms in square brackets
in the above expression. The same proced-
ure as used in the previous paper is taken
in the transformation of the Jacobian matrix
to a triangular matrix and the subsequent
backward substitution. We choose the molar
concentration of the lighter isotopic species
of the feed gas as the initial value of the
iterative computation.
m. COMPUTATIONAL MODEL
The centrifuges under consideration have
openings for feed, product and waste on the
end plates of the cylinder; P-type, W-typec•>
and NR-type (no reflux type)c 1 > centrifuges
are taken as computational models. Com-
(2) the effect of the shape of inside blocks
such as baffle plates, skirting plates,
bellows and others on the gas flow can
be investigated,
(3) arbitary temperature distribution can
be given on the cylinder wall and inside
blocks.
In the next step, the molar concentration
distribution of the lighter isotopic species is
calculated by the procedure described in
Chap. II.
The molar concentration of the lighter
isotopic species at product and waste outlets
are given by
~ (p:OwN); 4 [exp(Art;,)-exp(Ar;* 2)]
Np ~;~=-~~--~~~------.-.~
~ (p:0w);a[exp(Ar;*.,:,)-exp(Ar;*2)] ,
i

putations are performed for UF6 gas with (5)

the parameters M=352, Pr=0.770, r=1.07, ~ (p:OwN);b[exp(Ar;*;,)-exp(Ar;* 2
)]
i
A""lO and z7=7.0, and with the initial con- ~ (p:0w);b[exp(Art.,:,)-exp(Ar;* 2
)] ,
dition xco>=NF.
' ( 6)
The present analysis includes two steps of
calculations. In the first step, the flows of where the subscripts a and b refer to the
gas in centrifuges, p*, u, v, w and T* are cells neighboring to the end plates, and i
determined by using the computer program runs over the cells in the feed and waste
described in the previous paperc 2>. Slight outlets. Head and tail separation factors, a
modification is made on this program so that and [3, respectively can be evaluated by the
(1) at the feed inlet, not only the vari- definitions
ables w but p*, u, v and T* can be a=(Np/NF)(l-NF)/(l-Np), ( 7)
510 ]. Nucl. Sci. Technol.,

( 8) P I
The separative power is expressed by
oU =Fa(1-ll {3) In a--(1/ ,B)(a-1) In f3
a-1/{3 ,
( 9)
and the separative efficiency r; is given by
r;=oU/oUmax, (10)

where oUmax is the maximum separative

power given by
oUmax =pD{(M2-~Jl1 )(I~)"}_rr z
2RT 2 l·
(11)

IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The method described in the preceding
chapters has been programmed on a IBM
360/M195 computer. Some features of solu-
tions are presented in this chapter for the
steady flows in various gas centrifuges and
their separative efficiencies.
The molar concentration distribution of
the lighter isotopic molecule 285 UF 6 is shown
in Fig. 1 for a P-type centrifuge taken as
an example by arbitary choice. The corre-
sponding gas flow in this centrifuge is pre-
sented in Fig. 2 of the previous paper. Table
1 gives the variety of separative efficiencies o.o 0.2
calculated with various resolutions in refer-
IF wI
ence to the discussion in the analysis of gas
P-type: £=0.246, JT*=0.031, .F*=41.7. 8=0.5
flows (see Fig. 6 of the previous paper). It may
be seen that for practical use a 21 X 40 grid Fig. 1 Typical example of numerical solution
(concentration distribution)
is sufficient in the determination of separa-
tive efficiency. It should be noted that the Table 1 Influence of mesh division
present analysis eliminates the assumption
Separative efficiency
that the pressure can be estimated from the Number of meshes (%)
rigid rotation model. The computation with
r-direction z-direction
this assumption leads 3% higher separative 61 37.3
36 X
efficiency than the present analysis for the ::n X -.10 37.9
P-type centrifuge in Fig. 1. The larger 16 X 32 39.6
the feed rate is the larger the difference 16 X 32 39.6
will be. (Outer focussed)
Now we discuss the influence of various P-tyoe: £=0.246, JT*=0.031, F*=41.7, 8=0.5
operating variables such as cut, pressure,
feed velocity, cylinder temperature and feed skirting plates and bellows. The same peri-
conditions on the separative efficiency of gas pheral velocity and dimensions of the cylin-
centrifuges. Discussions are also given for der are taken in the following discussions.
various types of forced flows and for the
effect of inside blocks such as baffle plates,
-44-
Vol. 14, No. 7 (July 1977) 511

1. Effect of Cut, Pressure and about the effect of the displacement of

Temperature Difference between
Top and Bottom Plates on
Separative Efficiency
The separative efficiencies for various
cuts and Ekman numbers are shown in Fig. 2
as a function of the temperature difference
between top and bottom end plates JT=Th
- T 1• In determining separation efficiencies
the temperature is assumed to vary linearly
from Th to T, on the cylinder wall. It may
be seen from Fig. 2 that smaller temperature
difference leads lower separative efficiency.
70
-[zQ.49]
60
••--- sQ,123
the center of major recirculating flow due
to the change of feed flow rate and cut.
The stream lines for JT=O and LlT<O
are shown in Figs. 3(a) and (b), respectively.
For uniform temperature of the cylinder,
the bypass flow rate along the bottom plate
is much the same as the reflux flow rate
along the top plate as shown in Fig. 3(a).
For JT<O, the reflux flow rate becomes
smaller than the bypass flow rate and the
reflux flow runs in the region distant from
the wall against the locally recirculating flow
in the Stewartson layer. This is the reason
why the separative efficiency becomes quite
low when JT<O.

so I r
r-- -f p

0
~
_,.. 0
~
,~

'lfl
!'If
,,,,,
,,,,,,
I I

1,/1,
l{t/
,,,,,
'1' lr1
,,,1, A
p. typ!!:
F"•41.7 ~ "''/'
I IIIII
0

I 1'1/1
'1
~

"'"''' "' ,,,,1,

"I' II'''
"'' ::u:
,,,,,,"'"'''
I ~~~/~
lUI
C' 1u1i
,,,/I til
.:'::.03:-------!------,-~0.~03---,-T•_ ___J0.06 ~~~ 11 1/1
fill
,,,, "I''
,,,,"ul
Fig. 2 Influence of temperature differ- ,,,,
ence, Ekman number and cut .
0
,,,1
,,,,
0

"" ""'
on separation efficiency
""'""'lin
From Fig. 2 we can also see the following ,,:1~1 'n
facets: 0 l'',,,,,,,, 0
l'w
I~ I
IIIII
',,:,::'"'
M M

(1) When the temperature difference JT '1'"1

/Iiiii
1 /1ni
is adequately large, lower pressure (i.e. '',,,,
,,,,""I'' '
larger Ekman number) gives higher effi-
ciency. One explanation for this is that
0
N
1111/11
0

'"
'I'''"
II '1/h"
11'111 !\'""
the recirculating flow in the Stewartson ,,:u: '',,,,,
''I"I'''
,,,,,
layer shifts to the inner region of the ,,,,,
,,,
'\'ll1
,,,,,
cylinder when the pressure being low- ~
- ~ ,,,,,
,,,,,
ered. '"''',,,,,"'1111' 11111
\1111
(2) The efficiency is more sensitive to JT
at high pressure than at low pressure.
\ ~~~
""-~ ~'
,11@11 IL ',,,"'
~

(3) When the temperature difference JT o.5 o o.a o.9 .0 0.5 0 b 0. 0.8 0.9
'--
is small, high efficiency can be achieved j,w rl lw
by making cut small. This indicates P-type: £=0.123, F*=41.7, 8=0.5
that the bypass flow which comes out (a) JT*=O (b) L1T* = -0.015
in small JT makes only small contribu- Fig. 3 Stream line under unfavorable
tion to the efficiency. Detailed discus- temperature distribution
sions have been already given elsewhere< 1J
-45-
 512 ]. Nucl. Sci. Techno/.,

2. Effect of Feed Gas Velocity
Stream lines near the feed inlet are shown
for subsonic and supersonic feed conditions
in Figs. 4(a) and (b), respectively. In obtain-
ing these stream lines, the same mass flow
rates of the feed gas are taken, but the
different pressures are applied to generate a
supersonic feed. For other parameters, the
same values are used. The dimensionless
pressure and temperature distributions cor-
responding to the above supersonic feed are
shown in Figs. 5(a) and (b), respectively.
Although minor vortex appear in the vicinity
of the feed inlet for supersonic feed, we note
the profiles of gas flow as a whole are simi-
lar to each other for both subsonic and
supersonic feeds. This indicates that the
supersonic feed does not reduce the sepa-
rative efficiency. For supersonic feed, pres-
sures and axial velocities near the feed inlet
are shown for various Ekman numbers in
Fig. 6 as a function of the axial distance
from the bottom plate. The inhibition of a
sudden rise in pressure is mainly due to the
strong viscosity of the gas. It should be
noted that the effect of gas rarefaction is
neglected in this analysis (in the case of
supersonic feed discussed above, the pressure at
the feed inlet is 1.5 x IQ- 2 torr and the mean free
path of a UF, gas molecule is about 1 mm).
3. Temperature Distribution
on Cylinder Wall
A rotating cylinder has the possibility of
lacking in monotonous temperature distribu-
tion because of windage loss. Figure 7 shows

!\:1:
:-: : ::::::
I I I

I I 111111
I IIII IIIII
IIIII
;_ :
I I llltll
II IIIII
II IIIII
II IIIII
II IIIII
,,,,,,1
I \1\t\1
II IIIII
I !\till
I 111111
II IIIII
I IIIII
·- ll,ltu
II IIIII
1,1,111
I II IIIII
I 1\1\111
I ,,1,111
I II IIIII
I
I :d::::
I 1111111
I 1\11111
"'0 I I t\1:1:
I I llllll
I III1111111 IIIII
I
... I llttllll
llltllll
0 11
I
1
,,,,Ill,
I \\Ill'\:

1 :\\\\\,,
.... 11 111,111
0 1 11111111
I
1 '"'"II
1 lllllllt
\ ::::::::
\I \11111111
"''\'t
1I "''''"
11111111
\ \\\\\\''

\i
\\::::11//1/?
~

c.5 0~7 o.l! 0~9 0.5 0 6

~
0 6 0.8 0.9
FI wI tf
- - - - - 1.0 ~ 9.0 [ 10-2 gfsec]
- - - 1.0~9.0 [ 10-l "l P-type: 4T'=0.031, F*=41.7
-1.0~1.6[10-o "] 0=0.5
(aJ Mach=0.543 (£=0.246) (b) Mach=l.086 (£=0.492)
Fig. 4 Stream line near inlet

-46-
Vol. 14, No. 7 (July 1977) 513

(a) Pressure distribution (b) Temperature distribution

Fig. 5 Proftles on supersonic feed

Type: p --axial velocity

tT*=0.031 1.0
F*=41.7 - - - pressure
r*=0.65

------- .
0..

0.5

0.05 O.lQ 0.15 Z* 0.20

Fig. 6 Axial \'elocity and pressure distribution near feed inlet

- ·17-
514 ]. Nucl. Sci. Techno!.,

than the mean tempetature in order to sur-

press bypass flows from the feed inlet directly
to the waste outlet. No appreciable effect
on the efficiency is investigated for the tem-
perature distribution on the end plates as
shown in Fig. 8(g).
. -""'
coo M t")
c M
oo """
c t")
oo M
o ,..,
oo

[Oliff[[[
~
Efficiency 0.53
(a) (b)
0.55
(c)
~ M
0.55
(d)
r1 M M r"'
"'coo coo 0 00

-O.OJ[Jl';
00

urrms
-0.06

0.06
i
.
0.03 10.53
Eff1c1ency 0.53 0.40
(e) (f) (g)

P·type: £=0.493, F"=4l.i, 0=0.3

Fig. 8 Separation efficiency vs. various
temperature distributions

4. Various Boundary Conditions

Fig. 7 Stream line near side wall
when temperature profile
on side wall is concave
the stream line near the side wall of the
cylinder which has a concave temperature
distribution as shown on its right hand side.
This type of temperature distribution brings
two centers of convective flows. Figure 8
summarizes the separative efficiencies for
various temperature distributions on the cyl-
inder wall. It may be seen from Fig. 8 that
the important thing in obtaining high sepa-
rative efficiency is to make the temperature
around the bottom plate adequately higher
-48-
Separative efficiencies calculated with
various boundary conditions are summarized
in Table 2. For the sake of simplicity, the
temperature of the cylinder wall is assumed
to vary linearly from the top to the bottom
end plates. In the case T2-2 much higher
temperature of the feed gas is taken than in
the case T2-1 but gives little change in the
separative efficiency. In the case T2-3, the
feed gas has radial as well as axial velocity
components. The radial component of feed
velocity has no appreciable effect on the
separative efficiency in such a rapidly rotat-
ing cylinder as considered here. Cases T2-4
and T2-5 show the separative efficiencies
calculated with the conditions r;=t=r;. The
stream Jines, which are not shown for these
cases, show that most of the feed gas is
forced to flow directly to the product outlet.
Low separative efficiency for r;=t= r; are
understandable from the discussion in the
previous study that high separative efficiency
in the conditions considered here can be
achieved when r;=r;::::0.45.
In the case T2-6, the separative efficiency
is given for a W-type centrifuge. The
Vol. 14, No. 7 (July 1977) 515

Table 2 Separation efficiency on various boundary conditions

Case Separation·
No. Type E 0 .JT• Boundary condition efficiency
T2-1 p 0.493 0.3 0.061 Standardt 0.53
-2 p 0.493 0.3 0.061 T}=l.06 0.52
-3 p 0.493 0. 3 0.061 UF= -0.02 0.53
-4 p 0. 493 0.3 0.061 r}=O. 65 r'P= 0. 70 0.50
-5 p 0.493 0. 3 0.061 r}=O. 70 rj.= 0. 65 0.52
-6 w 0.246 0. 5 0.031 r}=rtv=O. 99 0. 45
rj.=O. 65
-7 NR 0.246 0.5 0.0 r} 1 = rj,= 0. 65 0.56
r~· 2 = rtv = 0. 65

t Standard: r}=rj,=0.65, aF=ap=0.05, rty=0.99, aw=0.01, p}=UFVF=0.0

stream line for this case is also given m down flow travels aslant from the top to the
Fig. 9(a), in which we can see the major bottom end plates. The separative efficiency
given in the case T2-6 should be compared
I II with the value 0.38 which is read from Fig. 2
r--
" = 0.45 " = 0.56
for a P-type centrifuge. A higher efficiency
('itt;li, ·:-7,~ in a W-type centrifuge is mainly due to a
I jlllfl
,,,,,
il;tll
~
I 1il1h
I 1II1N IIIII
/Jill~
larger pressure gradient in a W-type centri-
II jill
·';]; 1'111:· fuge.
0 ''"
1'111' , ~m~:
l•lllu The separative efficiency of a NR-type
"' ::r:•'
'/:/' ,,,,,,
I IIIII
centrifuge is given in the case T2-7. The
/rrr
,,,,,, ' "'•
:\11:1 efficiency of this centrifuge should be com-
,,,,
'"' '•'"'
r•u, ::m• pared with the value 0.20 which is read from
,,,,,,,,' '"
,,,,
,,u,
'r"l
Fig. 2 for a P-type centrifuge with the con-
'•"'
'lr1:1'" ditions 8=0.5, JT*=O and £=0.246. Figure
Iiiii: ,.,,,
...
0 ,,,,,
'r'"' ,,~~~ 9(b) shows the stream line of this NR-type
:::~ centrifuge. It may be seen from Fig. 9(b)
'•jl!!
t Ir ''~
1 I 1/1~
'U·'
All:::
:,,,. that the external forces by feed, product
::/r~
,,,,,, ~ ,,•.:·
,,,,,,, and waste gases induce complicated flows m
..,
0

,,,,,
'"''' II 111:1 the inviscid region even when JT=O.
'"'' :r::•:•
,,,,,,
/r:/1! 5. BafHe Plates
I I rlrr~
'''u '' :'•'•I•'rl
0
' "S
II rlrr~ "r''rr
,,,.,11 Baffle plates rotating with the cylinder,
N

::::s 11111 11
::!:1:: as proposed by Zippe< 8 l, are used to promote
11/'1
/Jr/1
11 1]•u
the reflux flow along the end plates. The
•r:•l• :::1:::
I ::J/: 1\r:l:l stream lines in the cylinder with a baffle
: :•::
,,,,, ,.,,,,
'•'•'I plate are calculated for JT*=O and =0.062
: ,,,, \ \111~
and are given in Figs. lO(a) and (b), respec-
I qr,
''
\~~ /J
rL L
' \•\\\UJJ(
',~~~
\\'' tively. Calculated efficiencies are also given
0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 0.5 0~/ 0.8 0.9 ~.0
in these figures. In the present calculations,
L.J l
IF, I :1 the baffle plate locates at z*=6.9 and in the
£=0.246, JT•=0.031 £=0.246, JT*=O.O, Fj=41.7
range of 0.8~r·~o.96. In the case of JT*=O,
F*=41.7, 0=0.5 F2=4!.7, 8=0.5 the mass flux of the gas flow along the top
(a) W-type flow (b) No-reflux flow plate is much the same as that along the
Fig. 9 Stream lines of miscellaneous bottom plate. Figure lO(a) also shows the
countercurrent flows same mass flux of the gas flows along the
-,19-
516 ]. Nucl. Sci. Techno/.,

both sides of the baffle plate ; the baffle plate plate are shown in Figs. ll(a) and (b). Cal-
surpresses local bypass flows. The calcula- culated efficiencies are also given in these
tion shows that the separative efficiency is figures. In the case of L1T*=O, some portion
improved by 9% when the baffle plate is of the feed gas still flows along the skirting
used. However, when L1T*=0.062, the im- plate and then along the bottom plate to the
provement of the efficiency by means of the product outlet as shown in Fig. ll(a). When
baffle plate is found to be only 3;'6. L1T* > 0, the skirting plate conveniently cuts
IP off the bypass flow as shown in Fig. ll(b),
r-1 "= 0.43 while it does not make a significant effect
~ -,--~}lr:1/~i;Jr, l ln:ilr
I l,-1--:=====~ on the separative efficiency. In the above
,' ,/:!!i!J calculation, the temperature distribution on
/ ,/l/:t::;
"'
"' I
,'

I
J

/ ,' ''//r11
Jldll I
,,,,,,,

1hl
- the skirting plate is assumed to be the same
as that on the cylinder wall.
I I I I
I I I flllll ' ' 0.26 T) "' 0.45
00
"' I
I
:
II,,,,,,
I I11111l
I~ I IIIII 0

I 1 1 I lill' N

'''I''
II 1j r)111:
I
1•!11
I I 1 ll11l
I I I IIIII
"' I I: 11111
"'
I 1I 11111 I'''"
~ j I _jI ,,,,,
_,~~~~Ull-~LL~+-L--,-_u~
''I'
0.6 0. 7 0.8 0.9 1.0
(a) JT*=O.O
jP

~IIIII II

o.9s o.96
j
o.97 o.~ 0.9~ 0.96 0.97 0.93 1'.9'1
[_
!F IF
0.6 0. 7 0.2 0.9 1.0
\\"-type: E=ll.~lli. F*=-il.7, B-•0.5
(b) JT*=O.OG~ (a) JT*=O.O (b) .::1T*=0.03l
?·type: £=0.193. F'=41.7. 0=ll.3 Fig. 11 Effect of skirting plate on
Fig. 10 Effect of b:1ffie plate on flow profile near bottom plate
How profile near top plate
7. Bellows
6. Skirting Plates The stream lines are calculated for centri-
Skirting plates may be used to shut off fuges which have a bello\\' on their cylinder
the local bypass flow which runs from the \\'all and are giyen in Figs. 12(a)"-'(d). Cal-
feed inlet directly to the product outlet. The culated efficiencies are also included in these
stream lines for a centrifuge with a skirting figures. Figure 12(a) shows the gas flo\\' as

50-
Vol. 1-1, No. 7 (July 1977) 517

n = 0.51 ., " 0.13 - = n.'i3

G.C (1_7 0.<1

L.....__.J fl.% 0. 1.0
IF
Type: P
E=0.493 ~:~ ::~ f:~6=~ 1)/~ecl
r•:41.7 1.0·.1.8[·101 .. ]
&=0.]

(a) Stream line throughout centrifuge \b1 Stream line near (c) Stream line near (d) Stream line near
whose side wall has a triangular· trianl':ular·shape triangular·shape rectangular
shape bellow, JT*=0.062 bellow, .J T* =0.062 bellow, JT*=O.O bellow, .JT*=0.062
Fig. 12 Effect of bellow on flow profile

a whole in a centrifuge with a triangular [NOMENCLATURE]

bellow when LlT*>O. Figure 12(b) gives its N Mole concentration
close-up view arround the bellow. It may be JA = (M2 ~ M 1 ) (r,w)"! (2RT 0 )
seen from Figs. 12(a) and (b) that when M, Molecular weight of 2'' 8 UF,
M1 Molecular weight of 2" 5 UF,,
JT*> 0 most of the gas recirculating from
K=pD/ft
the top plate travels down to the bottom D Diffusion coefficient
plate passing by a triangular bellow although d 0 ; = 2A/l: exp(Ar;";\) ~exp(Ar;*") =
minor vortex appears above the bellow. In Nu;J= hn;NiJ+ hLiNi-I,J
the calculation, the triangular bellow is as- Nw;j= kRjNij+kLjNi,j-1

sumed to be a stepwise block. When LlT*=O, p;. Dimensionless density of feed

Up Dimensionless radial velocity of feed
there grows up a little a locally recirculating Vp Dimensionless azimuthal velocity of feed
flow between the top plate and the bellow Wp Dimensionless axial velocity of feed
as shown in Fig. 12(c). Figure 12(d) gives T; Dimensionless temperature of feed
the gas flow around a rectangular bellow Np Mole concentration of feed
Np Mole concentration of product
for .:1T* > 0. Figure 12(d) indicates that the Nw Mole concentration of waste
rectangular bellow does not make serious a Head separation factor
interruption to the recirculating flow, either. ,3 Tail separation factor
Consequently, we can conclude that the use nU Separative power
oUmax: Maximum separative power
of bellows does not give an appreciable r1 Separation efficiency
change m the separative efficiency if they Other symbols are common in the preceeding
are not so large. report of the same general title'n.

-51
518
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The author wishes to thank Dr. Y. Naka-
mura and Dr. K. Inoue for their support and
encouragement. The author is deeply indebt-
ed t:> Mr. Y. Shimoda who did the computer
programming with great competence and
enthusiasm. Grateful acknowledgment is due
to Prof. A. Kanagawa for his valuable dis-
cussions. The critical reading and discussion
of this manuscript given by Dr. Y. Yato is
deeply appreciated.
-52-
j. Nucl. Sci. Techno[.,
-REFERENCES--
(1) KAr, T.: j. At. Energy Soc. japan, (in Japan-
ese), 17(3], 131 (1975).
(2) idem: j. Nucl. Sci. Techno/., 14(4], 267 (1977).
(3) NAKAYAMA, w.. TORI!, T.: ibid., 11(11], 495
(197 4).
(41 NAKAYAMA, W., Usur, S.: ibid., 11(6], 242 (1974).
(51 CoHE"', K.: "The Theory of Isotope Separation
as Applied to the Large-Scale Production; of
2 35U", (1951), McGraw-Hill.
(6) KANAGAWA, A., 0YA~1A, Y.: j. At. Energy Soc.
japan, (in Japanese), 3(11], 868 (1961).
(7) BERMAN, A.S.: K-1536, (1962).
(8) ZIPPE, G.: OR0-315, (1960).