How Does a Hydroelectric Plant Produce Heavy Water?

Heavy water, also known as deuterium oxide, is a type of water that contains a higher amount of the isotope deuterium (D) than regular water. This isotope is used in a variety of fields, including nuclear power plants and medical applications. One way to produce heavy water is through a process called the Girdler sulfide (GS) process, which is often used in hydroelectric plants. Here is how it works:

Step 1: Water is Purified

In order to produce heavy water, the first step is to purify regular water to remove any impurities that could affect the process. This is typically done through a distillation process, which separates the water from any dissolved solids or gases. The purified water is then stored in a tank to be used in later steps.

Step 2: Hydrogen Sulfide is Added

The next step is to add hydrogen sulfide (H2S) to the purified water. This gas reacts with the water to form a compound called hydrosulfide (HS-). This compound is unstable and breaks down into its individual atoms, releasing hydrogen gas (H2) and sulfur (S) in the process.

Step 3: Deuterium Separation

The next step is where the heavy water is produced. The hydrogen gas that was released in the previous step contains both regular hydrogen (H) and deuterium (D) atoms. To separate them, the gas is passed through a column that contains a substance called Girdler sulfide (GS). This substance selectively absorbs the deuterium atoms, allowing the regular hydrogen to pass through untouched.

Step 4: Heavy Water Production

Once the deuterium has been separated, it is combined with the purified water that was stored earlier. This mixture contains a higher concentration of deuterium than regular water, making it heavy water. The heavy water is then collected, processed, and packaged for use in various applications.

While this process is effective, it is also expensive and energy-intensive. Hydroelectric plants that produce heavy water often use it to power their own turbines, as the cost of transporting heavy water can be prohibitive. However, heavy water is also in high demand in the nuclear industry and other applications, so the GS process remains an important method of production.

Conclusion

The production of heavy water through the Girdler sulfide process is a complex and energy-intensive process. However, this type of water is an essential component in various fields, including nuclear power plants and medical applications. By understanding how hydroelectric plants produce heavy water, we can better understand the important role it plays in our modern world.