The next generation of (136)Xe neutrinoless double beta decay experiments will require on the order of 5 tons of enriched (136)Xe. By estimating the relative volatilities of the xenon isotopes… Click to show full abstract
The next generation of (136)Xe neutrinoless double beta decay experiments will require on the order of 5 tons of enriched (136)Xe. By estimating the relative volatilities of the xenon isotopes and using standard chemical engineering techniques we explore the feasibility of using cryogenic distillation to produce 5 tons of 80% enriched (136)Xe in 5–6 years. With current state-of-the-art distillation column packing materials we can estimate the total height of a traditional cryogenic distillation column. We also report on how Micro Channel Distillation may reduce the overall size of a distillation system for (136)Xe production.
               
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