Study on CH₄ Oxidation and H₂O Adsorption for Hydrogen Isotope Recovery

This study deals with the processes of converting trace CH₄ in the oxidation reaction and adsorbing H₂O. The conversion of CH₄ was confirmed at various reaction temperatures and flow rates by injecting O₂ above the equivalence ratio of CH₄ in Ar. The conversion was higher at a higher reaction temperature and a lower flow rate. Also, the impurity effects of CO₂, CO, and H₂O coexisting in the feed gas with CH₄ were investigated. When CO₂ and H₂O were included in the feed gas, CH₄ conversion was decreased, and CO contained in the feed gas increased CH₄ conversion by the heat of oxidation reaction. When CH₄ is converted to CO₂ and H₂O through oxidation and H₂O is adsorbed on the adsorbent, complete recovery of hydrogen isotopes can be obtained. Molecular sieve was used as the adsorbent, and the water adsorption capacity of the adsorbent was confirmed by generating water through the generator. Finally, it was confirmed that converted H₂O from CH₄ was adsorbed on the absorbent.