Simultaneous extraction of rare earth elements and uranium from phosphoric acid

Abstract

In the process of uranium recovery from phosphoric acid by solvent extraction with di (2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (DEPA), in the presence or absence of tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO), Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are also extracted. No attention has yet been given to this matter. REEs are recovered as fluorides in the presence or absence of U (IV). This study was carried out using radio-isotopes of each element of the REE series introduced into phosphoric acid media. The recovery process for REEs led to a product containing a concentrate of the elements. Two extractants employed on an industrial scale were used in this study; DEPA and phenylphosphoric acids. A similar study on phosphonitric solutions was also carried out. It was also established that yttrium is favoured during extraction from phosphoric acid medium and cerium and yttrium from phosphonitric solutions. Therefore, a preferential separation of REEs is obtained during the process of recovery.