Solvent extraction of Zirconium and hafnium with 1 and 2-octanol: a comparative study

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date

Authors

Kabangu Mpinga, John
Lubbe, Simon J.
Crouse, Philippus L.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

The Italian Association of Chemical Engineering

Abstract

Comparative solvent extraction studies of Zr and Hf were carried out from acidic chloride and potassium fluoride solutions with 1 or 2-octanol as extractants. The extraction process was experimentally investigated as a function of contact time, hydrochloric acid concentration, sulfuric acid concentration, hydrofluoric acid concentration, nitric acid concentration, amount of potassium fluoride added and organic-to-aqueous phase ratio. The results show that zirconium is preferentially extracted into the organic phase. Under the optimal operating conditions of 10 % HCl, 1.5 M KF, 15 minutes and an organic-to-aqueous phase ratio of 2:1, the extraction percentage of zirconium and hafnium is 94.3 % of Zr and 64.3 % of Hf and a separation factor of 9.2 for 2-octanol and 93.1 of Zr and 60.9 % of Hf and a separation factor of 8.7 %. 2-octanol shows a slightly higher extraction percentage and separation factor over 1-octonal.

Description

Keywords

Zirconium, Hafnium, 2-Octanol, Separation

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Kabangu J.M., Lubbe S., Crouse P.L., 2019, Solvent Extraction of Zirconium and Hafnium with 1 and 2-octanol: a Comparative Study, Chemical Engineering Transactions, 75, 607-612 DOI:10.3303/CET1975102.