Lead Vanadate Precipitation Method for the Recovery of Vanadium from Carbonate Leach Solutions

摘要

A process for the removal (and recovery) of vanadium from carbonate leach solution has been developed. PbSO(sub 4) is used to precipitate vanadium and is regenerated by treating the lead vanadate precipitate with H(sub 2)SO(sub 4). Vanadium concentration can be reduced to any desired levels or removed completely with essentially no carbonate or uraniuim losses. H(sub 2)SO(sub 4) is the only reagent consumed making the process superior to FeSO(sub 4) precipitation of vanadium on an economic as well as efficiency basis. The removal of vanadium from carbonate leach solutions improves the efficiency and economics of subsequent uranium recovery process. An economic evaluation compares the lead vanadate-caustic process with other possible processes for recovery of uranium and vanadium from carbonate leach solutions.