The Concentration of 39 K and 41 K by Balanced. Ion Migration in a Counterflowing Electrolyte

Abstract

By use of a counter-current ion transport method it was found that isotopic ions in soln. differ in their migration velocities. The method has also made possible the continuous concn. of both 39K + and 41K+ isotopes. In principle the method is based upon an imposed flow of electrolyte through the cell at a rate sufficient to reduce the net transport of K+ to zero. The faster 39K+ ions will make headway against the electrolyte stream toward the cathode, while the slower ions will be carried back toward the anode. The reduction of the rate of remixing in the electrolyte to a point below the rate of separation and also the obtaining of appreciable conens. were accomplished by carrying out the electrolysis in a fine-grained packing of uniform porosity.