PROCESSING OF MONAZITE SAND
A process for the recovery of thorium, uranium, and rare earths from monazite sands is presented. The sands are first digested and dissolved in concentrated NaOH, and the solution is then diluted causing precipitation of uranium, thorium and rare earth hydroxides. The precipitate is collected and dissolved in HCl, and the pH of this solution is adjusted to about 6, precipitating the hydroxides of thorium and uranium but leaving the rare earths in solution. The rare earths are then separated from the solution by precipitation at a still higher pH. The thorium and uranium containing precipitate is redissolved in HNO/sub 3/ and the two elements are separated by extraction into tributyl phosphate and back extraction with a weakly acidic solution to remove the thorium.
- Research Organization:
- Originating Research Org. not identified
- NSA Number:
- NSA-12-006990
- Assignee:
- U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
- Patent Number(s):
- US 2815264
- OSTI ID:
- 4329541
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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