The effect of uranium saturation on the extraction of elements other than uranium into tributyl phosphate : topical report /

In the tributyl phosphate extraction process for the purification of uranium, the separation from contaminating elements can be improved by the saturation of the extract to as high a degree as possible with uranium. This technique is examined first on the basis of the theoretical extraction equations. Then laboratory experimental data, consisting of equilibrium distribution values for nitric acid, thorium, europium, and zirconium nitrates into TBP-hexane, in the presence of increasing amounts of uranyl nitrate are presented. These results indicate that decontamination can be markedly increased under conditions of high uranium saturation. This data is then applied to the calculation of profiles for these elements in multistage counter-current extraction and scrub units. The results are compared with the actual performance of the extraction section of an operating uranium refinery.Operated for the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission under contract no. W-14-108-Eng-8."This paper was presented at the 135th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Boston, Massachusetts, April 1959.""Subject Category: Technology--Feed Materials (TID-4500, 15th Ed.).""Date of Issue: January 4, 1960.""Report Number: MCW-1440."Includes bibliographical references (p. 19).In the tributyl phosphate extraction process for the purification of uranium, the separation from contaminating elements can be improved by the saturation of the extract to as high a degree as possible with uranium. This technique is examined first on the basis of the theoretical extraction equations. Then laboratory experimental data, consisting of equilibrium distribution values for nitric acid, thorium, europium, and zirconium nitrates into TBP-hexane, in the presence of increasing amounts of uranyl nitrate are presented. These results indicate that decontamination can be markedly increased under conditions of high uranium saturation. This data is then applied to the calculation of profiles for these elements in multistage counter-current extraction and scrub units. The results are compared with the actual performance of the extraction section of an operating uranium refinery.Mode of access: Internet.This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The University of Florida Libraries, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law