EXPERIMENTAL BASIS FOR DESIGN OF MIXER SETTLERS FOR THE AMEX SOLVENT EXTRACTION PROCESS
The basis for design of mixer-settlers for the Amex solvent extraction process, which uses long-chain amines dissolved in a hydrocarbon diluent for the recovery of U from acid sulfate solutions typical of those obtained in U ore processing, was determined by a unit-operations study in scale-model units. Long- term recycle tests in countercurrent equipment demonstrated the stability of amines and the general feasibility of the Amex process. Mass transfer rates of U for both extraction and stripping are large, and greater than 90% stage efficiency was readily obtained. The flow capacity of gravity settlers is generally limited by a dispersion band, which increases exponentially with flow rate. The scaleup of settlers is based on the constant flow rate of dispersed phase per unit settler area and constant band thickness. The nominal flow capacity (50% of flooding) ranged from 0.4 to 0.8 gpm/ft/sup 2/, depending on the type of dispersion and amine used. The capacity can be increased (fourfold) by using packing wetted by the dispersed phase. Emulsion stabilized by silica (the worst offender) can be minimized by controlling the mixing in order to form solvent-continuous dispersions, which also minimizes entrainment of solvent in the aqueous waste. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-26
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-021775
- OSTI ID:
- 4714591
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL-3381
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-63
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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