Application of the concepts of neural network and tree structure in rare earth separations

The concepts of neural network and tree structure are introduced to rare ea rth separations. The recursive relations and analytical expression for calc ulating the possible flow sheets and processes are derived in multicomponen t systems based on dichotomy. As an example, the application of the concept s is elucidated in detail in a separation of light rare earths containing L a, Ce, Pr and Nd in the HEH(EHP)-HCl system. The results show that this met hod is beneficial to summarizing and classifying the flow sheets and proces ses in rare earth separations, and is essential to the optimization of sepa ration now sheets. It can also be applied to the separation into group situ ations and other similar cases, too.