Operation of the TSTA Isotope Separation System with 100 gram tritium

In March 1988 full operation of the 4-column isotope separation system (ISS) was realized in runs that approximated the design load of tritium. Previous operations had been fraught with operating difficulties principally due to external systems. This report will examine the recent highly successful 6-day period of operation. During this time the system was cooled from room temperature, loaded with hydrogen isotopes including 109 grams of tritium, integrated with the transfer pumping, impurity injection, and impurity removal system, as well as the remote computer control system. At the end of the operation 12 grams of tritium having a measured purity of 99. 987% (remainder deuterium) were offloaded from the system. Observed profiles in the columns ingeneral agree with computer models. A Height Equivalent to a Theoretical Plate (HETP) of 5.0 cm is confirmed.