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Title: IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO SEPARATION OF ZIRCONIUM AND HAFNIUM

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4130082

The liquid-liquid extraction of zirconium and hafnium to provide a product zirconium stream that is essentially free of contained hafnium is described. An acidified aqueous solution of zirconium with contained hafnium is fed to an extraction column containing an organic extractant that is fed near the bottom of the column. The organic extractant rises in the column and the acidified water is passed down the column concurrent to the organic flow. Zirconium selectively transfers to the organic phase while the hafnium tends to remain in the aqueous phase, The system is particularly described using zirconyl nitrate containing hafnyl nitrate as an impurity, a rotary disc contractor column, and an organic stream of TBP diluted with an equal volume of a hydrocarbon mixture. (R.E.U.)

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-18-003906
OSTI ID:
4130082
Report Number(s):
GB 941125
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 1963 Jul 29; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-64
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English