RECOVERY OF URANIUM FROM PHOSPHORIC-ACID SOLUTIONS USING CHELATING ION-EXCHANGE RESINS

Experimental measurements have been made on the batch extraction of ur anium from phosphoric acid solutions using various chelating ion-excha nge resins (RSPO, Diaion-CRP200, Diphonix, Purolite S940, Duolite ES46 7, and Lewatit OC 1060) and a solvent containing ion-exchange resins ( Actinide-CU). The kinetic performance of ion-exchange resins was compa red, and the effect of Fe(II) and Ca(II) ions on the sorption and elut ion performance has also been examined. The results showed that the re sin Actinide-CU containing a diphosphonate extractant was very effecti ve for removing uranium from phosphoric acid solution. However, the el ution performance of this resin with both acid and carbonate eluants w as poor. It is concluded that the chelating resins Diphonix, Duolite E S467, Lewatit OC 1060, and Purolite S940 give reasonable sorption of u ranium in the presence of Fe(II) ions in batch sorption trials. The de sorption of uranium has been performed quantitatively using carbonate eluants. Purolite S940 was used in small-scale column extractions of u ranium from phosphoric acid solutions, and promising loading/elution p rofiles were obtained.