Abstract: A crown ether cesium ion extractant is disclosed as is its synthesis. The crown ether cesium ion extractant is useful for the selective purification of cesium ions from aqueous acidic media, and more particularly useful for the isolation of radioactive cesium-137 from nuclear waste streams. Processes for isolating cesium ions from aqueous acidic media using the crown ether cesium extractant are disclosed as are processes for recycling the crown ether cesium extractant and processes for recovering cesium from a crown ether cesium extractant solution.

Abstract: Process for removing an alkali metal compound from an acid solution also containing nickel and aluminum compounds, which requires contacting the acid solution first with an ion exchange resin functional to remove the nickel and aluminum compounds from the acid solution; and then contacting the acid solution with an ion exchange resin which is more selective to remove the alkali metal compound from the acid solution.

Abstract: Methods and agents for extracting cesium and strontium ions from aqueous solutions, including aqueous fission product waste solutions, are disclosed using substituted metal dicarbollide and/or dicarbaextranide ions containing one or more chemical groups that increase solubility of the substituted metal dicarbollide or dicarbaextranide ions in non-nitrated, non-chlorinated solvents, or using metal dicarbollide or dicarbaextranide ion-substituted silicones.

Abstract: Ions (e.g. lithium) can be removed or recovered from brines containing those ions and optionally one or more other ions (e.g. other alkali metal ions) by the use of a temperature-swing, ion-exchange process employing an ion-exchange material. The process depends on a change in the selectivity coefficient of an ion exchange material for the ions desired to be recovered with a change in temperature, resulting in desirable ions being relatively selectively released at one temperature and undesirable ions being relatively selectively released at another temperature. The process of the invention can be used to effect the separation of any ion (or set of ions) from another ion or from a set of ions wherein the selectivity coefficient for one ion (or set of ions) has a substantial temperature dependence, compared to that for the other ion (or set of ions).

Abstract: Thermodynamically-unstable complexing agents which are diphosphonic acids and diphosphonic acid derivatives (or sulphur containing analogs), like carboxyhydroxymethanediphosphonic acid and vinylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, are capable of complexing with metal ions, and especially metal ions in the II, III, IV, V and VI oxidation states, to form stable, water-soluble metal ion complexes in moderately alkaline to highly-acidic media. However, the complexing agents can be decomposed, under mild conditions, into non-organic compounds which, for many purposes are environmentally-nondamaging compounds thereby degrading the complex and releasing the metal ion for disposal or recovery. Uses for such complexing agents as well as methods for their manufacture are also described.

Abstract: Preparation and use of polymeric materials containing hydrophobic anions and plasticizers for extraction of cesium and strontium. The use of polymeric materials containing plasticizers which are solvents for hydrophobic anions such as derivatives of cobalt dicarbollide or tetraphenylborate which are capable of extracting cesium and strontium ions from aqueous solutions in contact with the polymeric materials, is described. The polymeric material may also include a synergistic agent for a given ion like polyethylene glycol or a crown ether, for removal of radioactive isotopes of cesium and strontium from solutions of diverse composition and, in particular, for solutions containing large excess of sodium nitrate.

Abstract: Methods and agents for extracting cesium and strontium ions from aqueous solutions, including aqueous fission product waste solutions, are disclosed using substituted metal dicarbollide ions containing one or more chemical groups that increase solubility of the substituted metal dicarbollide ion in non-nitrated, non-chlorinated solvents, or using metal dicarbollide ion-substituted silicones.

Abstract: Preparation and use of tetra-C-alkyl cobalt dicarbollide for extraction of cesium and strontium into hydrocarbon solvents. Tetra-C-alkyl derivatives of cobalt dicarbollide, Co(C.sub.2 R.sub.2 B.sub.9 H.sub.9).sub.2.sup.- (CoB.sub.2 R.sub.4.sup.- ; R=CH.sub.3 and C.sub.6 H.sub.13) are demonstrated to be significant cesium and strontium extractants from acidic and alkaline solutions into non-toxic organic solvent systems. Extractions using mesitylene and diethylbenzene are compared to those with nitrobenzene as the organic phase. CoB.sub.2 -hexyl.sub.4.sup.- in diethylbenzene shows improved selectivity (10.sup.4) for Cs over Na in acidic solution. In dilute alkaline solution, CoB.sub.2 -hexyl.sub.4.sup.- extracts Cs less efficiently, but more effectively removes Sr from higher base concentrations. A general synthesis of tetra-C-alkyl cobalt dicarbollides is described.

Abstract: Pellets of a polycrystalline hydrated alumina, especially Gibbsite, are infused with LiOH to obtain loadings up to 0.33 mol fraction of LiOH in the LiOH/Al(OH).sub.3. The so-prepared material is useful for mixing with a LiX-containing brine solution, producing an interaction of the LiOH infused in the alumina pellets with the X ion (where X represents an acid salt moiety, especially halide) of the LiX-containing brine. The LiX interaction product is efficiently removed from the alumina pellets by water washing, leaving rejuvenated LiOH which can be used in yet another cycling of LiX formation/water removal. A plurality of loading and unloading cycles are achieved, yielding an appreciable amount of the lithium values derived from the brine.

Abstract: An image forming method comprises the steps of (a) exposing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material comprising a first support and provided thereon, a photographic component layer comprising a first binder, light sensitive silver halide and a sparingly water soluble metal compound; (b) superposing the exposed material on an image receiving material comprising a second support and provided thereon, an image receiving layer comprising a second binder and a compound represented by Formula (I), ##STR1## wherein A represents a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic ring; and M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 independently represent an alkali metal atom, an ammonium ion or a quaternary ammonium ion; (c) heating the superposed materials in the presence of water; and (d) separating the image receiving material from the exposed material to obtain an image on the image receiving layer of the image receiving material.

Abstract: In the production of lithium-exchange adsorbents, lithium recovery from spent ion-exchange solutions is achieved with advantageous secondary recovery of lithium from zeolite wash liquor and precipitate salts by ion-exchange means.

Abstract: Morphologically altered pellets of a polycrystalline hydrated alumina, intercalated with LiX (where LiX is a lithium salt, preferably LiCl), is prepared by contacting the polycrystalline structure with LiX solution carried in NaCl brine, the LiX creating lithium-specific sites of intercalation in the crystalline structure, and the material is used in a LiX absorption process involving unloading LiX from the pellets, and then passing a LiX-containing brine through the pellets to capture more LiX in the Li-depleted active sites, and repeating the unloading and loading of the LiX a plurality of cycles. The unloaded LiX is collected as crude product which can be concentrated by evaporation and removing precipitated NaCl.

Abstract: Thermodynamically-unstable complexing agents which are diphosphonic acids and diphosphonic acid derivatives (or sulphur containing analogs), like carboxyhydroxymethanediphosphonic acid and vinylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, are capable of complexing with metal ions, and especially metal ions in the II, III, IV, V and VI oxidation states, to form stable, water-soluble metal ion complexes in moderately alkaline to highly-acidic media. However, the complexing agents can be decomposed, under mild conditions, into non-organic compounds which, for many purposes are environmentally-nondamaging compounds thereby degrading the complex and releasing the metal ion for disposal or recovery. Uses for such complexing agents as well as methods for their manufacture are also described.

Abstract: A process is described for recovering metal values, e.g., gallium, contained in an aqueous solution by extraction comprising the steps of contacting the aqueous solution with a water immiscible organic phase comprising a water-insoluble substituted 8-hydroxyquinoline whereby the metal values are transferred into the organic phase; separating the organic phase from the aqueous solution and recovering the metal values from the organic phase. The novel feature comprises recovering the metal values by contacting the organic phase containing metal values with an aqueous solution of a strong base whereby metal values are removed from the organic phase to the aqueous solution with the aqueous solution containing the recovered metal values having a concentration of at least 4.6 moles per liter total hydroxide, and then separating the metal values from the aqueous phase.

Abstract: Potassium nitrate is produced by contacting nitric acid with a potassium loaded strong cationic exchange resin. In a preferred embodiment, a solution of potassium nitrate and dilute nitric acid is produced in a continuous liquid solid contacting apparatus. The preferred apparatus is formed of a plurality of resin filled chambers which rotate in and out of periodic fluid communication with fixed feed and discharge ports. The apparatus design allows for continuous supply of a nitric acid solution, potassium chloride regeneration solution, wash solutions, and air streams to ports arranged in zones, so that resin filled chambers pass through the zones to continuously produce a solution containing potassium nitrate and dilute nitric acid. In a preferred embodiment, the solution of potassium nitrate produced is neutralized with potassium hydroxide to convert residual nitric acid to potassium nitrate.

Abstract: A process for treating an alkali metal hydrosulfite solution which comprises contacting the alkali metal hydrosulfite solution with aluminum in a reaction mixture, and admixing carbon dioxide gas with the reaction mixture to remove dissolved aluminum as an aluminum-containing precipitate, the alkali metal hydrosulfite solution having a residual alkalinity of from about 0.1 to about 20 grams per liter of hydroxide ion.

Abstract: Process for the purification of an aqueous alkali metal chloride solution from iodine compounds and ammonium compounds, in which the operation is carried out in two successive stages comprising a first stage in which the iodine compounds are oxidized to molecular iodine which is removed from the solution on a halogenated basic anion exchange resin, and a second stage in which the ammonium compounds are oxidized to form nitrogen which is removed in a stream of inert gas.

Abstract: A method for separating sodium and potassium from an aqueous solution containing such metals, which comprises selectively ion-exchanging sodium and potassium with titania hydrate (TiO.sub.2 .multidot.nH.sub.2 O where n=1 to 2) obtained by treating potassium titanate to remove potassium therefrom, followed by a reaction at a temperature of from 25.degree. to 80.degree. C. to desorb and purify sodium and potassium.

Abstract: A process for treating an alkali metal hydrosulfite solution which comprises contacting the alkali metal hydrosulfite solution, having a residual alkalinity of from about 1 to about 20 grams per liter of hydroxide ion, with aluminum. The process of the invention can be operated at low temperatures i.e., those which are normally used for storage of the sodium hydrosulfite solution to minimize thermal decomposition.

Abstract: Finely divided potassium chloride is removed from mixtures with polar, aprotic solvents, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, by combining the mixture with sufficient water to dissolve a significant portion, but not all of the potassium chloride present, removing the added water by distillation, and subsequently separating the larger crystals of the salt that form by filtration or centrifugation. The amount of water employed is in the same general range as the amount of polar, aprotic solvent present.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for producing, from a lithium-containing brine, a substantially pure lithium chloride product. This product is particularly useful for the production of lithium metal by electrolysis.

Abstract: An ion exchange material comprises an oxide of a first element selected from elements of Groups IVa, IVb, Va, Vb, VIa, VIb, VIIa, or lanthanide or actinide series of the Periodic Table, in combination with an oxide of at least one different element selected from elements of the afore-mentioned groups of the Periodic Table so as to form a composite material. For example, a composite ion exchange material may comprise silicon dioxide and manganese dioxide. By selecting the appropriate oxides a composite ion exchange material can be prepared which has greater mechanical and/or chemical stability than an individual oxide of the composite material.

Abstract: Hydrogel-bound aggregate lightweight building materials, such as blocks for use in replacement of lightweight concrete or extruded clay blocks, prepared by expanding and drying a foamable composition containing precursors for an alkali metal aluminosilicate hydrogel, fine grain particulate aggregates, and a viscosity-reducing agent sufficient to result in a starting slurry composition viscosity of less than 40,000 cps at a solids content of 70% by weight or greater.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making potassium tripolyphosphate by loading an ion exchange resin with either potassium or hydrogen ions and passing an aqueous solution of sodium tripolyphosphate through the resin so that the sodium ions of the sodium tripolyphosphate are exchanged with the ions loaded onto the resin, forming either potassium tripolyphosphate or tripolyphosphoric acid, respectively. The tripolyphosphoric acid is reacted with potassium hydroxide to form potassium tripolyphosphate. When the ion exchange resin becomes exhausted it is regenerated using a potassium-containing ionic solution, forming a sodium ion containing stream. The sodium ion containing stream is reacted with a phosphoric acid to form a stream of sodium phosphates.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of cations from an aqueous effluent. An effective quantity of at least one polymer or copolymer, which is physically or chemically crosslinked, is introduced into the aqueous effluent. The polymer or copolymer is based on one or more units selected from salified acrylic acid, quarternized acrylic acid, and a copolymer comprising from 40 to 60 mole % of acrylic acid and from 60 to 40 mole % of at least one dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate in which each alkyl group contains from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. This process is used to treat aqueous effluents.

Abstract: A method for removing 99% of the sodium ions from a natural or industrial brine containing dissolved salts of metals of Group 1A of the periodic chart and in which brine sodium ions are not the predominant metal ions by contacting the brine at pH 11 to 12 with an ion exchanger selected from crystalline antimonic acid and polyantimonic acid, and removing from contact with the ion exchanger the brine with greater than 99% of the sodium ions removed.

Abstract: A process for the substantial removal of calcium or other divalent ions from natural or industrial brines containing high levels of another ion comprising (a) adjusting the pH of the brine to an alkaline pH of 9 to 11 with an alkaline material; and (b) contacting the brine for at least 5 minutes with an ion exchanger consisting essentially of a hydrous oxide selected from hydrous oxides of zirconium, titanium, tin, molybdenum, tungsten, thorium, niobium or tantalum and mixed hydrous oxides of these aforementioned metals at a temperature between ambient and about the boiling point of the brine being treated.

Abstract: A process for purifying an alkali metal halide brine containing aluminum as an impurity which comprises adjusting the pH of the alkali metal halide brine to the range of from about 8.5 to about 9.5 and contacting the alkali metal halide brine with an ion exchange resin having a phosphonic acid group.Using the novel process of the present invention, high purity alkali metal halide brines may be produced for use in electrolytic membrane cells which have concentrations of aluminum reduced to a level which will not cause damage to a cation exchange membrane or affect the membranes ability to transport cations or water molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a zirconium phosphate in particles having sizes comprised within the range of from 1 to 100 .mu.m, a lamellar structure with interlayer distance, in the anhydrous state, comprised within the range of from 7.9 to 8.2 .ANG. and a surface area comprised within the range of from 9 to 20 m.sup.2 /g.The method consists in altering the lamellar structure of a zirconium phosphate with layer structure of alpha type by intercalating into it an organic substance containing a proton-acceptor group and water and by a treatment with ultrasounds, in regenerating the hydrogen form of said zirconium phosphate by an acid and in washing the same with diluted acids and/or water.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foamable, self-setting ceramic composition which can be poured into molds or injection-molded or extruded to achieve desired shapes, and thereafter fired to produce shaped, porous ceramic articles useful as filter elements, insulation, kiln furniture, molds furnace linings or other like articles, the composition containing agents capable of developing an aluminosilicate hydrogel and capable of generating gas to produce porosity within the hydrogel bound molded shape.

Abstract: Low mass kiln furniture for supporting ceramic ware during the firing thereof is provided having excellent thermal shock resistance and high temperature stability, the kiln furniture being comprised of a porous refractory ceramic body of low density prepared by the firing of a porous aluminosilicate-bound aggregate of refractory ceramic compounds, and wherein the ceramic body has on one or more of its surfaces a smooth skin in the form of an integral thin porous ceramic membrane layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a waste package of radioactive waste containing particles of radioactive waste material of low modulus of elasticity, particles of radioactive waste material of high modulus of elasticity, and a solidifying agent in which the particles of radioactive waste material of low modulus of elasticity and the particles of radioactive waste material of high modulus of elasticity are fixed in an almost uniformly dispersed state. According to this invention, the radioactive waste generated from nuclear power plants can be greatly reduced in volume and also a waste package of radioactive waste with high strength and excellent water resistance can be obtained.

Abstract: Cesium chloride is recovered from used density gradient solutions by extraction of lipophilic and coloring components using a lipophilic solvent, subsequent extraction with a polar protic organic solvent, adding perchlorate ions to the extraction residue, and converting the precipitated cesium perchlorate into cesium chloride.

Abstract: Alkali metal phosphates are recovered from a water immiscible solvent solution of aqueous wet process phosphoric acid by neutralizing the acid with a basic alkali metal salt in a ratio of alkali metal to phosphorus of 1 to 3.5 to form at least the mono alkali metal phosphate. The solvent is given a water wash to recover entrained alkali metal phosphates. The resulting aqueous solution aforesaid and wash liquor containing the alkali metal salts are separated from the stripped solvent.

Abstract: Cesium is extracted from acidified nuclear waste by contacting the waste with a bis 4,4'(5) [1-hydroxy-2-ethylhexyl]benzo 18-crown-6 compound and a cation exchanger in a matrix solution. Strontium is extracted from acidified nuclear waste by contacting the waste with a bis 4,4'(5') [1-hydroxyheptyl]cyclohexo 18-crown-6 compound, and a cation exchanger in a matrix solution.

Abstract: Alkali is generated from two neutral parts by reacting a complexing agent such as sodium picolinate in one part with a slightly water-soluble metal compound such as zinc oxide in the other part in the presence of water.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of potassium sulfate from potassium chloride by means of a sulfate-laden anion exchanger, according to which as reaction solution, the exchanger is intensively contacted with a saturated potassium chloride solution, after saturation with potassium sulfate, and thereupon again separated, whereupon from this solution the crystals formed therein are separated, while the depleted anion exchanger is regenerated by intensive contact with a magnesium sulfate solution.

Abstract: Process for the production of a water-insoluble nitrogeneous organic base, from an aqueous solution of alkali metal bicarbonate and the base hydrochloride, according to which the solution (11) is treated with a complement of the base hydrochloride (12), and the resultant liquid (18) is treated with a basic agent (30) capable of decomposing the hydrochloride. The invention is applied to the regeneration of the amine in the process for the manufacture of sodium bicarbonate by the amines method.

Abstract: Cyclic octapeptide represented by the general formula: ##STR1## (wherein A denotes an iminoalkylene group of 3 or 4 carbon atoms or an alkylene group of 1 or 2 carbon atoms) are novel substances. They are produced by cyclo-dimerizing specific tetrapeptide esters. They are possessed of excellent properties as an agent for the extraction of ions, particularly alkaline earth metal ions.

Abstract: Water containing cesium, such as the reactor coolant of a pressurized water nuclear reactor, is purified by passing the water through an ion exchange resin bed containing a highly cross-linked, macroporous, strong acid resin derived from a monovinylidene aromatic and a cross-linking monomer compolymerizable therewith. The cross-linking monomer is employed in amounts of at least 12 mole percent based on the total weight of the monovinylidene aromatic and cross-linking monomer.

Abstract: A process is provided wherein dissolved salts are selectively extracted from aqueous saline media by contacting the aqueous media with a solvent comprising a water insoluble organic diluent such as kerosene and a surfactant capable of effecting a preferntial transfer of solubilized salts in the aqueous media into the non-aqueous phase.

Abstract: A process for extracting cesium ions from an aqueous solution, comprising:(a) producing, in a polar organic solvent, an adduct compound which is the product of (i) a macrocyclic polyether containing at least one species of the structural elements ##STR1## where, in structure I, n represents one of the numbers 0, 1 or 2, the --C-- (C).sub.n --O group forms part of the polyether ring and R.sub.1 is H, CH.sub.3, or phenyl, with up to 4 R.sub.1 not being H; in structure II, the --C--C--O-- group forms part of the polyether ring and R.sub.2 is H, CH.sub.3, t-butyl, pentyl, heptyl, nonyl, (CH.sub.2).sub.9 CH.sub.3, or phenyl, with up to 2 R.sub.2 not being H; and in structure III, the --C--C--O group forms part of the polyether ring and R.sub.3 is H, CH.sub.3, t-butyl, pentyl, heptyl, nonyl, (CH.sub.2).sub.9 CH.sub.3, or phenyl, with up to 2 R.sub.

Abstract: Ion exchange inorganic films made up of alpha-type or gamma-type layered structure insoluble acid salts of tetravalent metals or their salt forms, or their intercalated forms or their organic derivatives containing polar groups. A process for the preparation of said films.

Abstract: A method of lithium isotope separation by using a cryptand resin as an adsorbent is herein disclosed.

Abstract: The process of liquid-liquid extraction of gallium from sodium aluminate liquor used in the Bayer alumina process, uses an organic extractant comprising a diluent and a substituted hydroxyquinoline such that gallium and some aluminum are extracted into the organic phase.In five successive steps, the organic extractant solution loaded with gallium and aluminum is first contacted with an aqueous mineral acid solution, during which the acid solution strips the loaded solution of gallium and aluminum. Next, the phases are separated and a chloride salt or hydrochloric acid is dissolved in the acidic solution of gallium and aluminum which is then contacted with an organic solvent, e.g. n-butyl acetate. Aluminum remains in the aqueous acid solution whereas the organic solvent becomes loaded with gallium.After the phases have been separated, the organic solvent is separated from gallium chloride, which forms the feed for producing pure gallium.

Abstract: A process for the purification of spent liquor from an alumina precipitation stage is disclosed wherein the spent liquor is first contacted with 50 volume % or less ethanol to form a sodium oxalate precipitate and the, after removal of the sodium oxalate precipitate is contacted with over 50 volume % of ethanol extraction fluid to separate the mixture into a first layer comprising the ethanol and at least a portion of the caustic from the spent liquor and a second layer which comprises the remainder of the spent liquor. The spent liquor may then be subjected to a further precipitation to recover further alumina. The spent liquor remaining may be further treated in subsequent extraction steps to concentrate and dispose of undesirable impurities remaining.

Abstract: New compounds have been prepared from dicyclopentadiene bis(methylamine) which have the following formula ##STR1## wherein substituents A, B, X and Y each are independently selected from radicals including hydrogen, hydroxyalkyl (wherein the alkyl group contains 2-6 carbon atoms) phosphonic, sulfonic, hydroxyethyl- and hydroxypropylsulfonic, methylenephosphonic methylene-, ethylene- and propylenesulfonic, alkylcarboxylic acid radicals (having 2-4 carbon atoms) and the alkali or alkaline earth metal, ammonia and amine salts of any of the phosphonic, sulfonic or carboxylic acid derivatives. At least one of the substituents must be other than a hydrogen. These compounds are useful chelating agents and those containing the methylenephosphonic substituents are good threshold agents.

Abstract: A process for removing metal contaminants from a hydroconversion catalyst, said catalyst containing at least one metal from Groups VIB, VIIB or VIII supported on a refractory inorganic oxide. The process comprises contacting the contaminated catalyst with a buffered oxalic acid solution wherein contaminant is removed without dissolving the support.

Abstract: Gypsum as a byproduct in the manufacture of phosphoric acid is converted into potassium sulphate or sodium sulphate by subjecting an aqueous slurry to anion exchange under acidic conditions. Adding solid potassium chloride to the obtained solution of potassium sulphate causes the latter to crystallize in pure state, the potassium chloride solution recovered after filtering off the crystallized potassium sulphate being used for the regeneration of the anion exchanger.

Abstract: The invention is a method for the encapsulation of soluble radioactive waste chloride salts containing radionuclides such as strontium, cesium and hazardous wastes such as barium so that they may be permanently stored without future threat to the environment. The process consists of contacting the salts containing the radionuclides and hazardous wastes with certain zeolites which have been found to ion exchange with the radionuclides and to occlude the chloride salts so that the resulting product is leach resistant.