GB843482A - Electrolytic cells for reclaiming uranium from solutions - Google Patents

Abstract

843,482. Electrolysis. UNITED KINGDOM ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY. April 11, 1945 [April 21, 1944], No. 9085/45. Class 41. An electrolytic cell, e.g. for reducing uranyl and ferric ions in an acid solution to uranous and ferrous ions respectively, comprises an upper casing part 12 removably secured to a low casing part 11, a plurality of alternate anode and cathode compartments 30, 31 enclosed in the casing 12, porous partitions 28, e.g. of alundum, separating adjacent compartments 30, 31, an anode 38 in each compartment 30 and movable cathode 46 in each compartment 31, mercury 62 in the casing 11 contacting the partitions 28 to close the compartments 31, means for moving the cathodes 31 to immerse them successively in the mercury 62, in an electrolyte passing through the compartments 31 and in the mercury 62, and means, e.g. openings 18b, for passing the solution to be treated through the compartments 31. The anodes 38 may be graphite, and the cathodes 46, which are discs mounted on a rotatable shaft 41, may be nickel. The liquid to be treated is passed through groups of compartments 31 in parallel, each group comprising three compartments in series, inter-connected by external conduits joining the openings 18b. The construction of the casing 11, 12, the mounting of the electrodes 38, 46, and the details of the electrical supply are as described in Specification 794,490. The cell is operated as follows:-The compartments 30, 31 are filled with electrolyte 65, e.g. 3N HCL, and the solution to be treated, e.g. 3N HCL containing UO 2 ++; Fe+++, Cu++, Ni++, and Cr+++ions, is passed through the compartments 31 whereby the VO 2 ++ and Fe+++ ions are reduced respectively to U++ ++and Fe++, and the solution passes to a storage vessel. Some of the other metal ions are deionized and carried into the mercury 62 to amalgamate therewith. Chlorine comes off at the anodes 38, being free to pass through the partitions 28, the oxidizing effect of chlorine on the ions in the compartments 31 being thereby avoided. A cock 27 allows the casing 11 and compartments 31 to be drained, and the compartments 30 may be emptied of electrolyte by siphoning. A current density of 0À3 amp per square cm. of total cathode area, a voltage of 4, and a solution flow rate of 50 cc. per minute are mentioned. Specifications 812,794 and 816,772 also are referred to. Specification 9087/45 open to Inspection under Section 91.