Abstract: A new method to strip metals from organic solvents in a manner that allows for the recycle of the stripping agent. The method utilizes carbonate solutions of organic amines with complexants, in low concentrations, to strip metals from organic solvents. The method allows for the distillation and reuse of organic amines. The concentrated metal/complexant fraction from distillation is more amenable to immobilization than solutions resulting from current practice.

Abstract: A mixed extractant solvent including calix[4]arene-bis-(tert-octylbenzo)-crown-6 (“BOBCalixC6”), 4?,4?,(5?)-di-(t-butyldicyclo-hexano)-18-crown-6 (“DtBu18C6”), and at least one modifier dissolved in a diluent. The mixed extractant solvent may be used to remove cesium and strontium from an acidic solution. The DtBu18C6 may be present from approximately 0.01 M to approximately 0.4M, such as from approximately 0.086 M to approximately 0.108 M. The modifier may be 1-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropoxy)-3-(4-sec-butylphenoxy)-2-propanol (“Cs-7SB”) and may be present from approximately 0.01M to approximately 0.8M. In one embodiment, the mixed extractant solvent includes approximately 0.15M DtBu18C6, approximately 0.007M BOBCalixC6, and approximately 0.75M Cs-7SB modifier dissolved in an isoparaffinic hydrocarbon diluent. The mixed extractant solvent may form an organic phase in an extraction system that also includes an aqueous phase. Methods of extracting cesium and strontium as well as strontium alone are also disclosed.

Abstract: A key safe apparatus has a vertically slotted receptacle box which is locked onto a lid structure formed with vertical tongue capable of interengaging the slot in the receptacle box. The lid is fastened to the box by a code lock whose combination may be recoded. The key safe is structured to be fastened to a door whose key may be locked in the receptacle box. The fastening is accomplished by a bracket attached to the lid structure and fitted over a margin of the door. In another configuration, the key safe is locked around a door knob.