Improvements in or relating to processes for recovering uranium values from ores

Patent · Thu Aug 30 04:00:00 EDT 1973

OSTI ID:4372736

Smith, S E; Lapage, R; Garrett, K H

A process is described for extracting U from ores cortaining the U as finely disseminated refractory minerals, such as brannerite, secondary uraninites, davidite, uranothorite, monazite, etc. Disadvantages of conventional processes are stated, and a process is described that overcomes these disadvantages to a large extent, including elimination of the need for fine grinding, the requirement for large agitated tanks and for a large- scale liquid/solid separation stage. The process comprises the following steps: (1) grinding the ore to a top size not substantially smaller than 1 mm, and preferably to 1.4 mm, (2) mixing the ground ore with > 4N H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/ in sufficient quantity to wet the ore without forming a continuous liquid phase, (3) heating the mixture to 65 to 100 deg C and allowing it to cure'' at an elevated temperature, and (4) contacting the cured'' mixture with a liquid to elute the U. The liquid content of the mixture is preferably about 100 cc per kg of dry ore, and the acid may be sprayed onto the surface of the ore in a drum mixer. Heating may be effected by introduction of hot air or steam. An oxidizing agent, such as sodium chlorate and ferric sulfate, may be included in the mixture. Use of a curing'' container is desirable, through which the eluting liquid is percolated. The eluting liquid may be acidified water. Examples of application of the method are given, (UK)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-29-018132
• OSTI ID: 4372736
• Report Number(s): GB 1328242
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*URANIUM ORES-- ORE PROCESSING
*URANIUM-- LEACHING
BRANNERITE
CRUSHING
DAVIDITE
MONAZITES
N40240* --Chemistry--Inorganic
Organic
& Physical Chemistry--Feed Materials Processing
OXIDATION
SULFURIC ACID
URANINITES
URANOTHORITE