Non-radioactive scandium oxide receiving out of uranium ISR solutions

Abstract

The task of the research was to study and determine an effective method for the preparation of non-radioactive scandium compounds from uranium In-Situ Recovery (ISR) solutions. The widespread use of scandium is restrained by the high price due to its small production volumes, low content in the raw materials (scandium is a scattered element and does not form its own deposits), as well as the complexity of technological schemes for its extraction. Scandium receiving out of uranium reverses ISR solutions technological scheme was experimental tested, including sorption on MTS 9580 (Purolite’s production) ion exchanger with recurrent ballast impurities desorption and receiving concentrate that contains scandium. New radiation cleaning technological sequencing based on different solubility of radioactive elements and scandium in carbonate solutions, that accompanied by insoluble macro components complex formation, that contains in deactivated scandium concentrate and allows to get scandium oxide with desired component maintenance more than 94 % and less than 0,3 kilobecquerels/kg specific activity level was developed. The developed technology is based on the ability to form soluble carbonate complexes of scandium and radioactive elements, while the main macro components of the concentrate - ferrum, aluminum, calcium, silicon and others under the conditions of carbonation of the concentrate are inert or form insoluble compounds. Optimal radioactive impurity removing from concentrate conditions and scandium leaching from deactivated residue of scandium and macro impurity were studied and identified in laboratory conditions and during pilot tests.