Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for the removal and recovery of radionuclides from waste waters and process streams. The process of the present invention utilizes a combination of a supported liquid membrane (SLM) and a strip dispersion to improve extraction of the target species while increasing membrane stability and reducing processing costs. Additionally, the invention provides a family of new extractants, alkyl phenylphosphonic acids, for the removal and recovery of radionuclides and/or metals, including the use of the new extractants in the process. The new extractant selectively removes radionuclides and metals from the feed stream to provide a concentrated strip solution of the target species.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for the removal and recovery of metals from waste waters and process streams. The process of the present invention utilizes a combination of a supported liquid membrane (SLM) and a strip dispersion to improve extraction of the target species while increasing membrane stability and reducing processing costs. The process is illustrated with cobalt removal and recovery with unexpected results, such as unexpectedly high cobalt fluxes and a very high cobalt concentration in the strip solution recovered. This process can remove other metals, such as copper, zinc, nickel, mercury, lead, cadmium, silver, europium, lanthanum, neodymium, praseodymium, gadolinium, and selenium, from the feed stream to provide a concentrated strip solution of the target species.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for the removal and recovery of radionuclides from waste waters and process streams. The process of the present invention utilizes a combination of a supported liquid membrane (SLM) and a strip dispersion to improve extraction of the target species while increasing membrane stability and reducing processing costs. Additionally, the invention provides a family of new extractants, alkyl phenylphosphonic acids, for the removal and recovery of radionuclides and/or metals, including the use of the new extractants in the process. The new extractant selectively removes radionuclides and metals from the feed stream to provide a concentrated strip solution of the target species.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of extractants and a method of manufacture for the extractants. The extractants are useful for the removal and recovery of metals from waste waters and process streams. The removal process utilizes a combination of a supported liquid membrane (SLM) and a strip dispersion to improve extraction of the target species while increasing membrane stability and reducing processing costs. The new class of extractants include dialkyl phosphoric acids containing alkyl chains of at least 8-12 carbon atoms. The method of manufacture includes mixing phosphorus pentasulfide with an alcohol, followed by hydrolysis of the intermediate reactants with a mineral acid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a two-step process for the removal and recovery of chromium from a feed solution, such as waste water, using supported liquid membranes (SLMs). In the first step of the process, the feed solution, which contains hexavalent chromium, is treated with a first strip solution to produce a moderately concentrated Cr(VI) solution. In the second step, the moderately concentrated Cr(VI) solution is treated with a second strip solution. The process advantageously produces a treated feed solution having a decreased concentration of chromium which is acceptable for discharge or recycle and a product solution which contains a highly concentrated Cr(VI) solution having little or no sulfate contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a supported liquid membrane carrier liquid with a dielectric constant between approximately 20 and 32, more particularly between 22 and 28, and preferably about 24, and the use of that carrier liquid in a supported liquid membrane device to extract one or more chemical species from a feed liquid. The invention further comprises such a device where a temperature gradient is maintained between any of the feed, carrier, or strip liquids. In another embodiment of the invention, any of the feed, carrier, or strip liquids are conditioned, for example, by passing the liquids through a purifier, or replacing lost carrier liquid. In another embodiment of the invention, two or more devices are connected in series or parallel.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a supported liquid membrane carrier liquid with a dielectric constant between approximately 20 and 32, more particularly between 22 and 28, and preferably about 24, and the use of that carrier liquid in a supported liquid membrane device to extract one or more chemical species from a feed liquid. The invention further comprises such a device where a temperature gradient is maintained between any of the feed, carrier, or strip liquids. In another embodiment of the invention, any of the feed, carrier, or strip liquids are conditioned, for example, by passing the liquids through a purifier, or replacing lost carrier liquid. In another embodiment of the invention, two or more devices are connected in series or parallel.