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TRIBUTYL PHOSPHATE EXTRACTION OF ZIRCONIUM AND HAFNIUM

Journal Article · · Izvest. Vysshikh Ucheb. Zavedenii, Khim. i Khim. Tekhnol.
OSTI ID:4777345

The distribution of Zr and Hf between 6N nitric acid and tributyl phosphate (TBP) solutions is reported for varying metal ratios in the starting aqueous solution. The nitric acid solutions of Zr and Hf nitrates freshly prepared from the starting pure oxychlorides were shaken for 30 min with an equal volume of a 50 vol% TBP solution on o-xylene, at 20 plus or minus 2 deg C in separatory funnels. The equilibrium concentrations in both phases, the distribution coefficient, alpha , and the separation factor, BETA , were calculated with a maximum error of 10% from a combination of gravimetric and spectroscopic data. Distribution curves of the total oxides indicated very rapid saturation of the organic phase when the concentration of the total oxides in the aqueous phase was increased. For equimolar concentrations in the aqueous phase, Hf concentration in the organic phase was 1/4 to 1/5 that of Zr. An increase in the content of Hf in the mixture had a less depressing effect on Zr extraction than did an increase in Zr on Hf extraction. Beta was at a maximum at 40 to 60 g/ l of the total oxides in the aqueous phase at equilibrium, the maximum BETA value varying from 20 (the highest) to 9 with an increase from 2.4 to 95.8% of HfO in the starting mixture. It was concluded that pure Hf can be produced by use of TBP extraction but with a much lower separation efficiency than in the case of Zr. (OTS)

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-16-033074
OSTI ID:
4777345
Journal Information:
Izvest. Vysshikh Ucheb. Zavedenii, Khim. i Khim. Tekhnol., Journal Name: Izvest. Vysshikh Ucheb. Zavedenii, Khim. i Khim. Tekhnol.
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English