Experimental Study of the Matrix Heat Exchanger Related to Cryogenic Distillation Processes of Hydrogen Isotopes

This study aims to present the experimental tests of the Matrix Heat Exchanger developed within the Low Temperature Laboratory of ICSI Rm. Valcea under variable parameter values, such as mass flow rate, regarding the apparatus efficiency. We further study paths to increase the cryogenic efficiency of distillation column based of its active components, such as condensers, boilers, heat exchangers, which typically are connected to a comprehensive process system. Due to the unique construction, the heat exchanger, through the tests and experiments carried out, shows excellent heat exchange properties for low flows and pressures. The device satisfies various aspects, such as a high degree of compactness, intense heat transfer, low axial conductivity and a uniform flow distribution, properties that give to the heat exchanger an important role in a plant for cryogenic distillation of the H2-HD-D2 mixture to be separated, for hydrogen pre-cooling and its preparation upon entering the distillation columns.