RECOVERY OF TH-234 FROM NATURAL URANIUM USING LIQUID EMULSION MEMBRANE-BASED ON HDEHP-HCL SYSTEM

Comparative studies between column and batch liquid emulsion membrane techniques based on HDEHP/HCl system were carried out to develop a sys tem for isolation of Th-234 from natural uranium. For column investiga tions a spray column was constructed and used with two diferent modes. In the first mode the feed solution was circulated through the membra ne while in the second mode the membrane phase was circulated through the feed solution. The results showed that, kinetically, the equilibri um for thorium separation using batch technique is faster than the con tinous column system. Quantitative permeation of thorium was achieved within one minute of mixing whereby the permeation of uranium reached equilibrium after 3 minutes with a permeation percentage less than 6%. A procedure was developed to separate Th-234 from natural uranium wit h high radiochemical purity of more than 98%.