The fate of selected impurities in the recrystallization of zirconium oxychloride and in its conversion to zirconium tetrafluoride

Abstract

The fate of Fe, Co, Y, and Ce impurities is determined in the process of recrystallization of zirconium oxychloride and in its subsequent fluorination with aqueous hydrofluoric acid to ZrF4 · H2O. Techniques of gamma ray spectrometry were used to follow radioisotopes introduced at critical steps in the process. All impurities remained in the recrystallization liquor. The liquor and its associated impurities, which is retained on the crystals, can be displaced by acid washing. In fluorination, Fe and Co are rejected while Y and Ce are retained and cannot be removed by washing.