Method removing radioactivity from kaolin
OwnerRobert F. Conleyinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of reducing the radioactivity found in naturally occurring kaolins to about 40% below its native value, and the leachable radiogenic components to less than 20%. This reduction is achieved by removing from the kaolin particles of a size less than 0.5 microns. This removal may be carried out by gravitational settling, flocculation of non-colloidal particles, or acid leaching.
Claims13
Process for the removal of at least 30% of the initial radioactivity of kaolin and over 50% of the leachable radiogenic material which comprises
- a. degritting kaolin and forming a suspension of said degritted kaolin solids;
- b. dispersing said degritted kaolin solids in an aqueous medium to form a dispersate;
- c. slurrying said dispersate and diluting said solids with water;
- d. separating from said kaolin dispersate particles of a size less than 0.5 microns diameter, by gravitational settling, by gravitational settling in conjunction with flocculation, or gravitational settling in conjunction with leaching;
- said size being defined by gravitational settling, and said particles containing the radioactivity to be removed.
Process for the removal of at least 30% of the initial radioactivity of kaolin and over 50% of the leachable radiogenic material which comprises
- a. degritting kaolin and forming a suspension of said degritted kaolin solids,
- b. dispersing said degritted kaolin solids in an aqueous medium to form a dispersate,
- c. diluting said dispersate to a concentration of 5 - 15% by weight in the presence of an inorganic dispersing agent,
- d. adding an aqueous solution of between 0.01 and 0.5% of mild flocculating agent to provide a flocculate,
A process for the removal of at least 30% of the initial radioactivity of kaolin and over 50% of the leachable radiogenic material which comprises
- a. degritting kaolin and forming a suspension of said degritted kaolin solids;
- b. dispersing said degritted kaolin solids in an aqueous medium to form a dispersate;
- c. removing from said kaolin dispersate, particles of a size less than 0.5 microns diameter by acid leaching at a pH between 1 and 3, said size being defined by gravitational settling and said particles containing the radioactivity to be removed;
- d. permitting the leaching dispersate to settle;
- e. discarding the leachate;
- f. recovering the kaolin from the residue.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.