Abstract
Extensive studies have been conducted of kerosenetype diluents for the tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP)kerosene solvent used in uranium extraction. Wide variations have been shown in the paraffinic, isoparaffinics aromatics and olefinic hydrocarbon contents of these diluents. Such diluents have been shown to be unstable in thc presence of high nitric acid concentrations, and in the presence of small amounts of nitrous acid. This instability is primarily a function of the non-paraffinic hydrocarbon content of the diluent and of the nitrous acid concentration of the contacting medium. Degradation of a diluent has been shown to discolor a diluent, increase its density and viscositys and influence uranium distribution during re-extraction operations. Solvent treatment with Na/sub 2/CO/sub 3/, followed by H/sub 2/O and nitric acid washes, has been shown to be only partially effective in removing diluent degradation products. The diluent degradation products have been characterizeds chemically and spectrallys as carboxylic acids, organic nitrates, organic nitro compounds, and nitroso oompounds. (auth)
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
