Determination of optimum process conditions for the extraction and separation of zirconium and hafnium by solvent extraction

Taguchi's method was used to determine the optimum conditions for separation of zirconium from hafnium by solvent extraction. The experimental conditions were studied in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 M for three different acids and TBP, D2EHPA or Cyanex 272 as extractant. The optimum extraction of zirconium was 71% when 2.0 M nitric acid and Cyanex 272 were used. The optimum zirconium/hafnium separation was also achieved using this combination.