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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

PROCESS FOR THE RECOVERY OF ZIRCONIUM VALUES

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4821762
A process for recovering zirconium from zirconium silicate ores is outlined which is based on the breaking of the ZrO/sub 2/- SiO/sub 2/ bond by reaction with an alkali metal hydroxide. In this process, pulverized zirconium ore is heated and an akali metal hydroxide is added to the heated ore under such conditions that the reaction mixture does not become fluid. The hydroxide may be pulverized solid, molten, or in aqueous form. The advantages of the process are that the reaction is more complete and corrosion of the container by the hydroxide is minimized. The frit product may then be treated with water to extract the SiO/sub 2/ and with acid to extract the zirconium. (D.L.C.)
Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-16-005428
OSTI ID:
4821762
Report Number(s):
GB 885061
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English