Solvent extraction of uranium from leach solutions obtained in processing of Polish low-grade ores.

Solvent extraction of uranium from acidic and alkaline post-leaching liquors that were obtained by leaching of Polish ores is reported in this paper. The stripping of uranium from organic to aqueous phase was also studied. The synergistic mixture of 2-diethylhexylphosphoric acid (D2EHPA) and tri-n-butylphosphate (0.2 M:0.2 M) was found as a good extracting agent for uranium. Recovery of uranium was reached even 98 %. The effect of such parameters like uranium concentration and concentration of reagents used in the experiments was evaluated in advance by using a model uranium solutions.

Liquid-liquid extraction of uranium(VI) in the system with a membrane contactor.

Raising role of the nuclear power industry, including governmental plans for the construction of first nuclear power plant in Poland, creates increasing demand for the uranium-based nuclear fuels. The project implemented by Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology concerns the development of effective methods for uranium extraction from low-grade ores and phosphorites for production of yellow cake-U3O8. The Liqui-Cel® Extra-Flow 2.5 × 8 Membrane Contactor produced by CELGARD LLC (Charlotte, NC) company is the main component of the installation for liquid-liquid extraction applied for processing of post leaching liquors. In the process of membrane extraction the uranyl ions from aqueous phase are transported through the membrane into organic phase. The flow of two phases in the system was arranged in co-current mode. The very important element of the work was a selection of extracting agents appropriate for the membrane process. After preliminary experiments comprising tests of membrane resistivity and determination of extraction efficiency, di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid was found to be most favourable. An important aspect of the work was the adjustment of hydrodynamic conditions in the capillary module. To avoid the membrane wettability by organic solvent and mixing two phases equal pressure drops along the membrane module to minimize the transmembrane pressure, were assumed. Determination of pressure drop along the module was conducted using Bernoulli equation. The integrated process of extraction/re-extraction conducted in continuous mode with application of two contactors was designed.