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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

PROCESS FOR SEPARATING ZIRCONIUM AND HAFNIUM VALUES

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4035300

A process for separating Zr and Hf is given which is based on the fractional precipitation of the oxalato complex ions of Zr and Hf. The preparation of the oxalato complex comprises converting the ore to phosphates, treating the phosphates with an amount of oxalic acid just sufficient to peptize the phosphates, adding a second amount of oxalic acid about equal to the first amount to convert the colloidal material to a phosphato oxalato compound, and maintaining the solution at water bath temperature (40 to 60 deg C) until the phosphate ions in the compound are replaced by oxalate ions. The solution is then subjected to fractional precipitation by mineral acid solutions under homogeneous conditions. Two examples of the process are given. (D.L.C.)

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-18-017965
Assignee:
DTIE; NSA-18-017965
Patent Number(s):
US 3127236
OSTI ID:
4035300
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English