Removal of Iron From Synergistic Di-2-Ethylhexyl Phosphoric Acid and Tributyl Phosphate Organic Solvent Loaded With Uranium From Sulfate Leach Liquor

Uranium leach liquor was obtained by uranium leaching of a technological sample of Gattar GV area, eastern desert, Egypt. Ore was subjected to uranium extraction using the synergistic organic solvent technique; the solvent used was mixture of di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid and tributyl phosphate. The effect of sulfuric acid concentration, effect of leaching time, effect of leaching temperature, and liquid/ solid phase ratio were investigated to produce sulfate leach liquor from GV. Synergistic 0.5 M D2EHP A and 0.5 M TBP organic solvent agitated with leach liquor solution of GV (Org. /Aq. 2:1) for 5 min at room temperature were the optimum conditions for uranium extraction of 96 %. Iron co-extracted into the loaded organic phase with uranium was removed by using oxalic acid (scrubbing process). In this concern, different parameters were investigated such as, effect of scrubbing time , effect of oxalic acid concentration, effect of temperature, and effect of organic to aqueous phase ratio.