The ErTm separation factor in the presence of chelating agent and elution behavior of binary mixtures of Er and Tm

Abstract

In the presence of E.D.T.A. and sulfonated polystryrene type of resin, the ErTm separation factor suitable for the real elution system was measured at 60°C, and a value of 2·02 was obtained for the above pair. Further, under a temperature of 60°C, the rare earth bands involving binary mixture of Er and Tm were eluted down the copper retaining bed, using approximately 0·015 M E.D.T.A. solution buffered with ammonium hydroxide. From several series of the experimental data obtained by the elutions of above heavier rare earth under steady state, the values of a plane height were calculated on the basis of rate theory and countercurrent extraction. The plate height values due to film diffusion were in agreement with the H.E.T.P. values from countercurrent extraction. Also, it was found that a linear relation was held between the plate height based on film diffusion and the flow rate.