Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

PROCESS FOR THE SEPARATION OF THORIUM, CERIUM, AND RARE EARTHS STARTING FROM THEIR OXIDES OR HYDROXIDES

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4136439

The oxide and hydroxide mixture of thorium, cerium, and rare earths is first oxidized at above 100 deg C so as to convert the cerium to tetravalent ceric oxide. This oxide is treated with hydrochloric or nitric acid to pH 2 or 3 to dissolve the rare earths and to precipitate insoluble thorium and tetravalent cerium compounds. The pH is then adjusted to 4 or 5 and a reduction agent is added. The thorium compounds are precipitated and the cerium compounds remain singularly. (R.E.U.)

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-18-003916
Assignee:
DTIE; NSA-18-003916
Patent Number(s):
US 3111375
OSTI ID:
4136439
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English