THE ION EXCHANGE-EXCER PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF METAL GRADE UF4 FROM CRUDE URANIUM SOURCES

摘要

This report discusses two separate developments which tie together as a unit to produce metal grade UF4 without solvent extraction purification. The first development is the Higgins continuous countercurrent ion exchange contactor for treating ore leach pulps and delivering a crude concentrated product partially purified. The second development is an ion exchange conversion of crude uranium salt solutions to UO2F2 with subsequent electrolytic reduction to UF4. The crude uranium source may be directly from the ore treatment by continuous ion exchange or from partially decontaminated spent reactor fuel.