Study of the extraction of uranium tetrachlorides with solvents

The results obtained on the liquid-liquid extraction of uranium tetrachloride from 3, 5 and 7 M hydrochloric acid solutions, with tributyl phosphate (TBP) and 50% dilutions of TBP in xylene or in toluene are reported. The study was made under environmental conditions of temperature and pressure. Density, viscosity, interfacial tension and ion diffusivity in the solutions were determined and equilibrium curves of the solvent extraction systems (from 3 and 7 M hydrochloric acid solutions) established. The preliminary design of a pulsed column for liquid-liquid extraction of the system: 0.5 M uranium tetrachloride - 7 M hydrochloric acid - water - 50% TBP in toluene, is also presented. (Author)