Experience Using Metal Hydrides for Processing Tritium

Two processes that use metal hydrides for tritium handling have been installed in the Savannah River Site tritium facilities and have been used in routine tritium processing operations for nearly the past 3 years. These processes represent significant demonstrations of metal hydride technology for pumping, purification (inert gas separation), storage, and compression of tritium. Pumping and purification are demonstrated with a pump/purifier that uses palladium supported on kieselguhr as the hydrogen isotope-absorbing material. Storage and compression are demonstrated in a tritium loading facility that uses LaNi_4.15Al_0.85 beds for tritium storage, and LaNi_4.7Al_0.3 and Ca_0.2Mm_0.8Ni₅(Mm-Mischmetal) beds for tritium compression. Operating data collected during routine operation of the pump/purifier and the loading facility are presented and discussed.