Uranyl extraction from aqueous solution by emulsion liquid membrane process

Abstract

In this study, the elimination of Uranyl from aqueous solution is studied using an advanced technique of extraction; emulsion liquid membrane (ELM). Experimental results for the extraction of Uranyl are presented. The membrane phase consists of Kerosene as a diluent, Cyanex 302 as a carrier and sorbiton monooleate (Span 80) as a surfactant. Sulfuric acid solution as an internal aqueous phase. At the optimum conditions, the main variables studied which influenced the ELM extraction of Uranyl were the concentration of surfactant (3%), carrier (0.3%), internal phase (1 N H2SO4), types of internal phase (H2SO4 sulfuric acid), diluent (Kerosene), stirring speed (200 rpm), and the effect of volume ratios of the internal phase to the organic phase 1:1 (A/O) and of the emulsion to the feed solution 20/200 (Vemul/Vext). The results indicate that the removal percentage was obtained 100% in less than 20 min.This study also evaluated the effect of H2SO4 concentration in the internal aqueous phase on the stripping of Uranyl. The ELM treatment process represents a very interesting advanced separation process for the removal of Uranyl from aqueous solutions.