The Mechanism Of Extraction Of Uranium By Tributyl Phosphate PDF Download

In the tributyl phosphate extraction process for the purification of uranium, the separation from contaminating elements can be improved by the saturation of the extract to as high a degree as possible with uranium. This technique is examined first on the basis of the theoretical extraction equations. Then laboratory experimental data, consisting of equilibrium distribution values for nitric acid, thorium, europium, and zirconium nitrates into TBP-hexane, in the presence of increasing amounts of uranyl nitrate are presented. These results indicate that decontamination can be markedly increased under conditions of high uranium saturation. This data is then applied to the calculation of profiles for these elements in multistage counter-current extraction and scrub units. The results are compared with the actual performance of the extraction section of an operating uranium refinery.