Deuterium | Metro Welding Supply Corp.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

Deuterium Gas, scientifically denoted as D2, is an isotope of hydrogen with extraordinary potential across a wide array of applications. It is characterized by its nucleus containing one proton and one neutron, distinguishing it from the more common hydrogen isotope, protium. It is often used for nuclear fusion, isotopic labeling, and other cutting-edge applications.

10 KEY CHARACTERISTICS

1. Isotopic Identity: Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen, also known as heavy hydrogen, denoted as D2. It has one proton and one neutron in its nucleus, making it twice as heavy as the more common hydrogen isotope, protium.
2. Natural Abundance: Deuterium is relatively rare in nature, accounting for approximately 313-450-9300% of all hydrogen atoms on Earth.
3. Higher Stability: Due to the presence of a neutron in its nucleus, Deuterium is more stable than protium, making it less likely to participate in chemical reactions.
4. Enhanced Mass: Deuterium has a higher atomic mass compared to protium, which can influence various physical properties, including boiling and freezing points.
5. Isotopic Purity: High-quality Deuterium gas is characterized by its high isotopic purity, ensuring that it contains a high concentration of D2 molecules with minimal contamination of other isotopes.
6. Low Reactivity: Deuterium exhibits low chemical reactivity, which can be advantageous in certain research and industrial applications.
7. Fusion Fuel: Deuterium is one of the primary fuels for nuclear fusion reactions, particularly in experiments aiming to achieve controlled fusion for energy production.
8. Biochemical Tracer: Deuterium is used as an isotopic label in biochemical research, allowing scientists to track the movement and behavior of molecules within biological systems.
9. Cryogenic Applications: Deuterium's low boiling point and high freezing point make it useful as a cryogenic coolant in certain applications, particularly in industries requiring extremely low temperatures.
10. Neutron Moderator: In nuclear reactors, Deuterium can act as an efficient neutron moderator, helping to control the rate of nuclear fission reactions.

10 COMMON USES

1. Nuclear Fusion Research: Deuterium is a crucial fuel for nuclear fusion reactions. When heated to extreme temperatures, Deuterium nuclei can combine to release vast amounts of energy, potentially providing a clean and sustainable source of power.
2. Isotope Labeling in Biochemistry: Deuterium is used as a non-radioactive isotope label in biochemical research. It helps scientists trace the pathways and reactions of molecules in biological systems, shedding light on metabolic processes.
3. Neutron Moderation in Nuclear Reactors: Deuterium acts as an effective neutron moderator in certain types of nuclear reactors. It helps control the rate of fission reactions by slowing down neutrons.
4. Cryogenics: Due to its low boiling point, Deuterium is used in cryogenic applications. It serves as a coolant in systems that require extremely low temperatures, such as in the aerospace industry and some medical applications.
5. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy: Deuterium is used in NMR spectroscopy to study the molecular structure and dynamics of compounds. Deuterated solvents are often used to avoid interference from hydrogen signals.
6. Fusion Fuel for Thermonuclear Weapons: In certain types of thermonuclear weapons, Deuterium is used as one of the fusion fuels, along with Tritium. The fusion reaction releases a significant amount of energy.
7. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging: Deuterium-based compounds, such as Deuterium-labeled glucose analogs, are used in PET imaging to visualize metabolic processes in the body. This aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions.
8. Isotopic Studies in Geology: Deuterium is used in geology to study the formation and transformation of minerals. It can provide insights into geological processes over time.
9. Fuel in Deuterium-Tritium Fusion Experiments: Deuterium is often combined with Tritium (another isotope of hydrogen) to fuel fusion experiments. This combination is used in some experimental fusion reactors to achieve controlled nuclear fusion.
10. Aerospace and Rocket Propulsion: Deuterium is used in certain rocket propulsion systems, particularly in high-performance engines. Its high energy content and efficiency in chemical reactions make it valuable in aerospace applications.