Journal of Nuclear Science, Engineering and Technology (JONSAT)
In cooperation with the Iranian Nuclear Society

Separation of Uranium from Anomaly No. 6, Khoshoomi Region, Leaching Solution

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

K Nazari
R Mahmoudi
Abstract
The exploration research in the Khoshoomi region, located at the north east (~180 km) of Yazd has shown that the area is benfitted from a good uranium reservation. After leaching the samples, the concentration of uranium was evaluated to be 1200±20 mg/l. By solvent extraction, stripping, precipitation and calcination processes, the uranium oxide (U3O8) was produced. The purity and recovery percentages of U3O8 were 70% and 85%, respectively, which are acceptable according to the international documents. It is concluded that the organic phase, containing 3 %( vol) Alamine 336+2% (vol) normal dodecanol in aliphatic kerosene, has a good capability for separation of uranium from anomaly no. 6, of Khoshoomi region sulfuric acid leaching solutions. Applying Mc Cabe- Thiele method, with 2 counter current extraction stages, and 2 stripping stages (15% w/v) sodium bicarbonate solution), separation of uranium is feasible. The percentage of recovery, purity of product and feasibility of the chemical processes show that Khoshoomi mine is capable for producing uranium oxide (U3O8). For stablishing a new uranium mine at this region, however a more technical and engineering information is needed.

Highlights

        1. M. Benedict, T.H. Pigford, H.W. Levi, “Nuclear Chemical Engineering,” McGraw-Hill, 2 nd Edition, USA )1981).

           

        2. F. Habashi, “A Text Book of Hydrometallurgy,” Metallurgy Extraction Quebec Publication, Canada )1993).

           

        3. K. Nazari, M.G. Maragheh, A.S. Rad, “Studies of extraction of uranium from phosphoric acid using PN-1200 extraction,” Hydrometallurgy, 371-377- 71(2004).

           

        4. T.K. Mukherice and H.Singh, “Recovery of uranium and thorium from secondary resources,” Elsevier, India )2005(.

           

           

           

        5. D.J. Crouse and K.B. Brown, “Recovery of thorium, uranium and rare earth from monazite sulfate liquors, by the amine extraction,” (Amex) process, ORNL-2720, (1959).

           

        6. C.F. Coleman, K.B. Brown, J.G. Moore, D.J. Crouse, “Solvent extraction with alkyl amines,” Ind. Eng. Chem., 50, 1759 (1958).

           

        7. Uranium Information Center, Melbourne, Australia, http://www.UIC.com.au, (2004).

           

Keywords

Uranium
Alamine-336
Solvent Extraction
Leaching
Calcination

  1. M. Benedict, T.H. Pigford, H.W. Levi, “Nuclear Chemical Engineering,” McGraw-Hill, 2 nd Edition, USA )1981).

     

  2. F. Habashi, “A Text Book of Hydrometallurgy,” Metallurgy Extraction Quebec Publication, Canada )1993).

     

  3. K. Nazari, M.G. Maragheh, A.S. Rad, “Studies of extraction of uranium from phosphoric acid using PN-1200 extraction,” Hydrometallurgy, 371-377- 71(2004).

     

  4. T.K. Mukherice and H.Singh, “Recovery of uranium and thorium from secondary resources,” Elsevier, India )2005(.

     

     

     

  5. D.J. Crouse and K.B. Brown, “Recovery of thorium, uranium and rare earth from monazite sulfate liquors, by the amine extraction,” (Amex) process, ORNL-2720, (1959).

     

  6. C.F. Coleman, K.B. Brown, J.G. Moore, D.J. Crouse, “Solvent extraction with alkyl amines,” Ind. Eng. Chem., 50, 1759 (1958).

     

  7. Uranium Information Center, Melbourne, Australia, http://www.UIC.com.au, (2004).

     

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