RECOVERY OF URANIUM AND THORIUM FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
>A process is described for the recovery of uranium and thorium from monazite sand, which is frequently processed by treating it with a hot sodium hydroxide solution whereby a precipitate forms consisting mainly of oxides or hydroxides of the rare earths, thorium and uranium. The precipitate is dissolved in mineral acid, and the acid solution is then neutralized to a pH value of between 5.2 and 6.2 whereby both the uranium and thorium precipitate as the hydroxides, while substantially all the rare earth metal values present remain in the solution. The uranium and thoriunn can then be separated by dissolving the precipitate in a solution containing a mixture of alkali carbonate and alkali bicarbonate: and contacting the carbonate solution with a strong-base anion exchange resin whereby the uranium values are adsorbed on the resin while the thorium remains in solution.
- Research Organization:
- Originating Research Org. not identified
- NSA Number:
- NSA-12-014414
- Assignee:
- U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
- Patent Number(s):
- US 2838370
- OSTI ID:
- 4330440
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
METHOD OF RECOVERING URANIUM COMPOUNDS
SEPARATION PROCESS FOR THORIUM SALTS