Fractional extraction of zirconium, niobium and neptunium with tri-n-butyl phosphate

Radioactive Zr, Nb and Np were separated from each other by a continuous fractional extraction method. The extraction of Zr and Nb was carried out with 1 % TBP in chloroform from the 10N hydrochloric acid solution of irradiated U. Under these conditions, Zr, Nb and Np could be extracted continuously with the organic solution, while U and other F.P. remained in the aqueous solution. Finally, Zr in the organic solution was back-extracted with concentrated hydrochloric acid containing 1sim;2 drops of hydrofluoric acid. The method is convenient for the separation of Zr, Nb and Np from the F.P. The distribution ratios in the extraction system have also been obtained for a number of radioactive nuclides.