Abstract
The optimal conditions for the nitric acid dissolution of precipitates of hydroxides and hydrated oxides of rare-earth elements, uranium, and thorium obtained after autoclave alkaline opening of samples of monazite concentrate have been determined. The distribution of radioactive impurities between the solid phase and the solution in the processes of alkaline opening, dephosphorization, and acid dissolution of the pulp was studied. Two options are proposed for the extraction of uranium and thorium in the presence of rare earth elements, followed by separation of the components using tributyl phosphate of various contents in the carbon diluent.
Highlights
The development of nuclear energy programs is presently underway in several countries.In particular, it is included in the list of priority areas of economic modernization for the RussianFederation
The experiments that form the basis of this study were conducted employing the monazite concentrate with a bulk density of 2.8 g/cm3 stored at a branch of the UralMonatsit Regional State
The following optimal conditions for opening the monazite concentrate were determined: the action of 19 mol/L NaOH on mineral raw materials ground to particles ranging in size from 0.05 to 0.125 mm at Solid/Liquid phase ratios (S/L) = 1:4 and the contact time of 3 h at 160 ◦ C
Summary
The development of nuclear energy programs is presently underway in several countries.In particular, it is included in the list of priority areas of economic modernization for the RussianFederation. The development of nuclear energy programs is presently underway in several countries. It is included in the list of priority areas of economic modernization for the Russian. The nuclear power industry in the Russian Federation, as in many other countries, was based on the use of the uranium–plutonium fuel cycle, mainly developed to address military problems [1]. In the medium-term—probably already within a few decades—the application of the thorium-uranium fuel cycle, based on the use of thorium, for the development of nuclear energy [2] will acquire increasing importance, due to the relative abundance of thorium in nature. Unlike uranium raw materials, the thorium world reserves (especially in the Russian Federation) are practically unbounded. The Th content of the earth’s crust is 8 × 10−4 wt% [3], which is about
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
