Review of processes for the production of hafnium-free zirconium.
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Date
1970-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Australian Atomic Energy Commission
Abstract
The three main industrial processes for the production of hafnium-free zirconium are described in terms of their head-end, zirconium-hafnium separation and zirconium metal forming steps. Possible improvements and alternative processes are outlined. Zirconium-hafnium separation schemes based on selective reduction of the chlorides or distillation and sublimation techniques show the most promise for future development in competition with the established hexone-thiocyanate and TBP-nitric acid solvent extraction schemes. Head-end steps involving direct chlorination of zircon in fluidised beds or caustic fusion and metal production via electrowinning warrant further development.
Description
Keywords
Zirconium, Hafnium, Distillation, Sublimation, Solvent extraction, Fluidized beds
Citation
Royston, D., & Alfredson, P. (1970). Review of processes for the production of hafnium-free zirconium (AAEC/TM570). Lucas Heights, N.S.W.: Research Establishment, Australian Atomic Energy Commission.