Computer simulation of zirconium-hafnium separation by countercurrent extraction

In carrying out research and development on an improved method for production of reactor-grade zirconium oxide, the Bureau of Mines has prepared a computer program capable of accurately predicting the stage-by-stage performance of a multistage countercurrent solvent extraction system for extractant. The results were used to plan laboratory experiments using a multistage countercurrent mixer-settler unit. The number of extractor stages, number of scrubber stages, feed solution concentrations, scrubber solution concentration, feed flow, scrubber flow, and organic-phase flow are the significant variables. The computer simulation indicates the effects of changes in the pertinent variables and makes it possible to locate the best combination of variables without a prohibitively large number of time-consuming experiments. 7 figures, 3 tables