COLLABORATION IN BASIC SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (COBASE)

Attempting to model and simulate the isotope separation column used in numerous experiments at the National Institute of Research and Development for Cryogenic and Isotope Separation Technologies in Romania, Peter Salamon of San Diego State University hosted Carmen Maria Retevoi for an eight-week visit during March - April 2001. Through collaborative efforts, they had planned to use the simulations to optimize column performance.

Using the technology developed at the Romanian institute concerning catalytic isotope exchange between water and hydrogen gas, both carrying various isotopes of hydrogen, the scientists created a "virtual instrument" for monitoring the parameters from an isotopic exchange column. With these parameters, it was possible to analyze the process and obtain a new model for additional experiments. Further, the results of modeling were submitted to the National Instruments Conference (NI Week 2001) in Texas.

Salamon plans to implement a more detailed model allowing for the optimization of the temperature profile for running the column, thereby enabling the operators to track catalyst degradation. A proposal incorporating these plans is currently in preparation for submission to the National Science Foundation.