PROCESS FOR THE SEPARATION OF THORIUM FROM LANTHANONS
A process for the separation of thorium from a mixture containing the rare earths and in particular to a process in which the mixture is one obtained from monazite is described. An aqueous solution of thorium, rare earths, and excess sulfate ions obtained by the degradation of monazite with sulfuric acid is extracted with a solution in a waterimmiscible organic liquid of an amine having an aliphatic chain containing 10 to 30 carbon atoms, the amine being one which will form a complex with the thorium and sulfate ions, the resulting organic solvent extract is washed withan aqueous solution containing chloride and sulfate ions, and the thorium is then removed from the washed organic solvent extract by extraction with an aqueous solution containing ions which displace the thorium from the amine complex. The amine is a primary alkylamine having a branched alkyl chain. The organic liquid is kerosene, xylene, toluene, benzene, or an aromatic hydrocarbon. An ammonium nitrate solution-cortaining nitric acid is used for the extraction of the washed organic solvent extract. (N.W.R.)
- Research Organization:
- Originating Research Org. not identified
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-020803
- OSTI ID:
- 4052503
- Report Number(s):
- GB 869958
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Language:
- English
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