Abstract:
Based on distribution coefficient data of thorium (Th), uranium (U) and nitric acid in the tributyl phosphate (TBP) extraction system, and by comparing and analyzing the presented distribution coefficient models in the literature, a new mathematical distribution coefficient model with relative computer program for simulating the extraction behavior of Th(Ⅳ), U(Ⅵ) and HNO
3 in the TBP extraction system. The reliability of the new model with computer program was verified by 34 sets of distribution coefficient data. The calculated results agree well with the experimental data. The results by comparing the actual distribution coefficient data with the computing results indicate that the calculated results by using this new model are more reliable and accurate than those of SEPHIS model reported previously. The model presented in this work can be a foundation for simulating the extraction behavior of thorium, uranium and nitric acid in the extraction system of Th(NO
3)
4-UO
2(NO
3)
2-HNO
3-H
2O/30%TBP-dodecane with uranium concentrations from 0 g/L to 100 g/L, thorium from 0 g/L to 232 g/L, and HNO
3 from 0 g/L to 4.5 mol/L at 25 ℃.