Process for the purification of zirconium compounds
AssigneeICI Australia Limited
InventorsKian F. Ngian, Angus J. Hartshorn, David H. Jenkins
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Abstract
The invention concerns processes for the preparation of zirconium compositions which on calcination form zirconia. The zirconium compositions are prepared by the addition of an ammonia source to an aqueous zirconium sulfate solution to give a solution pH in the range of from 0.1 to 2.5 and preferably 1.0 to 2.0. The zirconium composition precipitated from solution appears crystalline, is readily collected by filtration and has low levels of metallic impurities. Therefore, the process of the invention may be used to advantage in the purification zirconium compounds. The invention also includes the zirconium compositions and processes for the purification of zirconium compounds including zirconia.
Claims10
A process for the preparation of zirconium compositions which on calcination form zirconia, which process comprises:
- preparing an aqueous zirconium sulphate solution of pH not greater than zero;
- adding an ammonia source to said zirconium sulphate solution until the pH of said solution is in the range of from 0.1 to 2.5 whereby crystalline ammonium zirconium sulfate is precipitated;
- and
- collecting the thus precipitated crystalline ammonium zirconium sulfate, by separating the same from the remaining solution, said separated sulfate being suitable for calcining to provide zirconia.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.