Options for Treatment of Legacy and Advanced

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Options for Treatment of Legacy and Advanced OPTIONS FOR TREATMENT OF LEGACY AND ADVANCED NUCLEAR FUELS A thesis submitted to the University of Manchester for the degree of in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. 2014 CHRIS MAHER SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND ANALYTICAL SCIENCE TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................ 22 2. OVERALL OBJECTIVES .................................................................. 26 3. TECHNOLOGY FOR THE HEAD-END TREATMENT OF LEGACY, CURRENT AND FUEL ADVANCED NUCLEAR FUELS ......................... 27 3.1. Aims and objectives .................................................................. 27 3.2. Science and technology of Head-End and influence of potential future challenges ............................................................................... 27 3.2.1. Introduction ..................................................................... 28 3.2.2. Current practice ................................................................ 31 3.2.2.1. Fuel conditioning ....................................................... 32 3.2.2.2. Dissolution ............................................................... 33 3.2.2.3. Dissolver liquor conditioning ....................................... 40 3.2.2.4. Accountancy and buffer storage .................................. 42 3.2.3. Potential developments to meet future challenges ................. 43 3.2.3.1. Dissolution chemistry of alternative fuel types .............. 44 3.2.3.2. Fuel conditioning - potential benefits of fuel pre-treatment .............................................................................. 49 3.2.3.3. Developments in dissolution chemistry and technology .. 54 3.2.4. Summary and future developments ..................................... 57 3.3. Summary of key issues in the development of flowsheets for processing legacy, current and future advanced fuels .................... 58 4. DIRECT DISSOLUTION OF OXIDE IN NITRIC ACID ....................... 60 4.1. Summary of literature relevant to the direct dissolution of uranium, plutonium and mixed uranium plutonium oxides in nitric acid ......... 60 4.1.1. Background chemistry ....................................................... 60 4.1.1.1. Nitric acid ................................................................ 60 4.1.1.2. Chemistry of uranium oxide ....................................... 65 4.1.1.3. Chemistry of plutonium oxide ..................................... 67 4.1.1.4. Chemistry of mixed uranium plutonium oxides .............. 67 4.1.2. Dissolution chemistry ........................................................ 68 4.1.2.1. Dissolution chemistry of metals .................................. 68 4.1.2.2. Chemistry of oxide dissolution .................................... 70 4.1.2.3. Uranium oxide dissolution in nitric acid ........................ 71 4.1.2.4. Plutonium oxide dissolution in nitric acid ...................... 75 4.1.2.5. Mixed uranium plutonium dioxide dissolution in nitric acid .............................................................................. 75 4.1.3. Summary of dissolution literature ....................................... 77 4.2. Aims and objectives .................................................................. 78 2 4.3. Experimental ............................................................................ 79 4.3.1. Dissolution apparatus and methodology ............................... 79 4.3.2. Off-line analytical methods ................................................. 85 4.3.2.1. Uranium dioxide experiments ..................................... 85 4.3.2.2. MOx experiments ...................................................... 86 4.3.3. Characterisation of materials .............................................. 86 4.3.3.1. Uranium dioxide powders ........................................... 86 4.3.3.2. MOx powder ............................................................. 87 4.3.3.3. MOx pellets .............................................................. 88 4.4. The thermodynamics of actinide dioxide dissolution in nitric acid .... 88 4.4.1. Introduction ..................................................................... 88 4.4.2. Methodology ..................................................................... 89 4.4.3. Dissolution in nitric acid ..................................................... 90 4.4.3.1. Individual actinide dioxides ........................................ 90 4.4.3.2. Mixed uranium plutonium dioxide ................................ 93 4.4.4. Enhanced dissolution with oxidising and reducing agents ....... 95 4.4.5. Summary ....................................................................... 100 4.5. The effect of stirring and sparging upon uranium dioxide dissolution in nitric acid ............................................................................... 101 4.5.1. Introduction ................................................................... 101 4.5.2. Experimental .................................................................. 103 4.5.2.1. Materials ................................................................ 103 4.5.2.2. Apparatus and methodology ..................................... 103 4.5.2.3. Analysis methods .................................................... 104 4.5.3. Results and Discussion .................................................... 105 4.5.4. Summary ....................................................................... 110 4.6. The role of nitrous acid in the dissolution of uranium plutonium mixed oxide powder ......................................................................... 110 4.6.1. Introduction ................................................................... 110 4.6.2. Experimental .................................................................. 112 4.6.2.1. Materials ................................................................ 112 4.6.2.2. Apparatus and methodology ..................................... 112 4.6.2.3. Analysis methods .................................................... 113 4.6.3. Results and Discussion .................................................... 113 4.6.4. Summary ....................................................................... 120 4.7. Dissolution kinetics of 5 % plutonium content mixed oxide pellets in nitric acid ............................................................................... 121 4.7.1. Introduction ................................................................... 121 4.7.2. Experimental .................................................................. 122 3 4.7.2.1. Materials ................................................................ 122 4.7.2.2. Apparatus and methodology ..................................... 122 4.7.2.3. Analysis methods .................................................... 123 4.7.2.4. Dissolution rate interpretation .................................. 123 4.7.3. Results and Discussion .................................................... 124 4.7.3.1. Multi-component UV-Vis calibration ........................... 124 4.7.3.2. Effect of cell conditions ............................................ 125 4.7.3.3. Effect of nitric and nitrous acid concentration ............. 127 4.7.3.4. Effect of temperature .............................................. 129 4.7.3.5. Comparison of dissolution rates with previously published results ................................................................... 131 4.7.4. Summary ....................................................................... 132 4.8. Summary of direct dissolution of oxides in nitric acid ................... 133 5. APPLICATION OF MEDIATED ELECTROCHEMICAL OF SILVER(II) FOR FUEL DISSOLUTION ............................................................. 135 5.1. Summary of literature relating to mediated electrochemical dissolution ............................................................................. 135 5.1.1. Review of the development leading MEO dissolution processes for plutonium dioxide ...................................................... 135 5.1.1.1. Silver(II) chemistry in nitric acid ............................... 138 5.1.2. Electrochemical generation of silver(II).............................. 142 5.1.3. Summary of silver(II) mediated electrochemical processes .. 145 5.2. Aims and objectives ................................................................ 145 5.3. Experimental .......................................................................... 148 5.3.1. Apparatus and methods ................................................... 148 5.3.1.1. Glassware .............................................................. 148 5.3.1.2. Power supply and voltage meters .............................. 151 5.3.1.3. Electrodes .............................................................. 153 5.3.1.4. Redox potential measurements ................................. 154 5.3.1.5. Temperature measurement ...................................... 155 5.3.1.6. Inline UV-Vis spectrometry ....................................... 155 5.3.1.7. Silver(II) by sampling .............................................. 155 5.3.2. Initial testing .................................................................. 156 5.3.3. Linear Staircase Voltammetry ........................................... 157 5.3.4. Bulk electrolysis .............................................................. 159 5.3.5. Dissolution apparatus and methodology ............................. 163 5.4.
Recommended publications
  • Access to Aryl Mellitic Acid Esters Through a Surprising Oxidative Esterification Reaction Margarita R
    CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by Digital Repository @ Iowa State University Chemistry Publications Chemistry 2014 Access to Aryl Mellitic Acid Esters through a Surprising Oxidative Esterification Reaction Margarita R. Geraskina Iowa State University, [email protected] Mark James Juetten Iowa State University, [email protected] Arthur Winter Iowa State University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/chem_pubs Part of the Materials Chemistry Commons, Other Chemistry Commons, and the Physical Chemistry Commons The ompc lete bibliographic information for this item can be found at http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/ chem_pubs/146. For information on how to cite this item, please visit http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/ howtocite.html. This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Chemistry at Iowa State University Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Chemistry Publications by an authorized administrator of Iowa State University Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Access to Aryl Mellitic Acid Esters through a Surprising Oxidative Esterification Reaction Abstract A serendipitously discovered oxidative esterification reaction of cyclohexane hexacarboxylic acid with phosphorus pentachloride and phenols provides one-pot access to previously unknown aryl mellitic acid esters. The er action features a solvent-free digestion and chromatography-free purifications and demonstrates the possibility of cyclohexane-to-benzene conversions under relatively mild, metal-free conditions. Disciplines Materials Chemistry | Other Chemistry | Physical Chemistry Comments Reprinted (adapted) with permission from J. Org. Chem., 2014, 79 (11), pp 5334–5337. Copyright 2014 American Chemical Society.
    [Show full text]
  • (12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 8.475,747 B1 Johnson Et Al
    USOO8475747B1 (12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 8.475,747 B1 Johnson et al. (45) Date of Patent: Jul. 2, 2013 (54) PROCESSING FISSILE MATERAL (56) References Cited MIXTURES CONTAINING ZIRCONUM AND/OR CARBON U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 3,012,849 A 12, 1961 Horn ................................. 423.4 Inventors: Michael Ernest Johnson, Richland, WA 3,965,237 A * 6/1976 Paige .......... ... 423f4 (75) 2003. O156675 A1* 8, 2003 Venneri et al. ... 376/189 (US); Martin David Maloney, 2003/0234223 A1* 12/2003 Kuraoka et al. .... ... 210,660 Evergreen, CO (US) 2007,0290.178 A1* 12/2007 Baron et al. ....... ... 252/643 2008/022410.6 A1* 9, 2008 Johnson et al. ... 252/625 (73) Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy, 2010/0314592 A1* 12/2010 Bourg et al. .................. 252,636 Washington, DC (US) OTHER PUBLICATIONS General Atomics & US DOE, “Development Plan for Advanced High (*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this Temperature Coated-Particle Fuels'. http://nuclearinl.gov/ patent is extended or adjusted under 35 deliverables/docs/pc-000513 0 relpdf, 2003.* U.S.C. 154(b) by 784 days. Pereira, Candido. “UREX-- Process Overview” www.ne.doe.gov/ pdfFiles/DOENRCUREXSeminar.pdfSimilar, Mar. 26, 2008.* Del Cul et al. “TRISO Coated Fuel Processing to Support High (21) Appl. No.: 12/484,561 Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors.” http://nuclear.gov/peis/refer ences/RM923 DelCuletal 2002.pdf, p. 1-62, Mar. 2002.* (22) Filed: Jun. 15, 2009 Minato et al. “Retention of fission product caesium in ZrC-coated fuel particles for high-temperature gas-cooled reactors.” J. Nuclear Materials, 279, pp.
    [Show full text]
  • Step Polymerization
    Chapter 6 Step Polymerization The step polymerization builds up the molecular weight of polymer by stepwise function. Sometimes, the polymerization involves the release of small molecule by-product, so it is also called condensation polymerization. It is the earliest polymerization technique in the synthetic polymers. In 1907, Leo Baekeland of Germany created the first completely synthetic polymer, Bakelite, by reacting phenol and formaldehyde. It is also called phenolic resin. The molecular weight of the phenolic resin builds up stepwise by removing water. The product was com- mercialized in 1909 by forming a company bearing his name as Bakelite until present day. Table 6.1 lists some of the commercially important polymers prepared by step- reaction polymerization. The reaction mechanisms, kinetics of polyesters and polyamides have been thoroughly studied. Thus, we are discussing the degree of polymerization DP and the polymerization rate of step polymerization using these two polymers as examples. 6.1 Chemical Reactions and Reaction Mechanisms of Step Polymerization The type of products formed in step polymerization is determined by the func- tionality of the monomers, i.e., by the average number of reactive functional groups per monomer molecule. Monofunctional monomers give only low molecular weight products. Bifunctional monomers give linear polymers. Poly- functional monomers, with more than two functional groups per molecule, give branched or crosslinked polymers. The properties of the linear and the crosslinked polymers differ widely.
    [Show full text]
  • Combustion of Organic Molecules by the Thermal Decomposition of Perchlorate Salts: Implications for Organics at the Mars Phoenix Scout Landing Site
    COMBUSTION OF ORGANIC MOLECULES BY THE THERMAL DECOMPOSITION OF PERCHLORATE SALTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR ORGANICS AT THE MARS PHOENIX SCOUT LANDING SITE. D. W. Ming1, H. V. Lauer, Jr.2, P. D. Archer, Jr.3, B. Sutter4, D. C. Golden5, R. V. Morris1, P. B. Niles1, and W. V. Boynton4; 1NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058 ([email protected]), 2ESCG/Barrios Tech., Houston, TX, 3Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 4Jacobs/ESCG, Houston, TX, 5ESCG/Hamilton Sundstrand, Houston, TX. Introduction: The Mars 2007 Phoenix Scout Mis- testbed to understand the effects of the thermal de- sion successfully landed on May 25, 2008 and oper- composition of perchlorate salts on organic molecules. ated on the northern plains of Mars for 150 sols. The Materials and Methods: A three component mix- primary mission objective was to study the history of ture was designed to simulate the thermal decomposi- water and evaluate the potential for past and present tion of perchlorate salt in the presence of organic mate- habitability in Martian arctic ice-rich soil [1]. Phoenix rial. The mixture consisted of 2.3 wt. % Mg- landed near 68° N latitude on polygonal terrain created perchlorate (Mg(ClO4)2.6H2O, 8.4 wt. % mellitic acid, by ice layers that are a few centimeters under loose and 87.3 wt. % SiO2. Mg-perchlorate was chosen be- soil materials. The Phoenix Mission is assessing the cause it is a leading candidate for the perchlorate salt potential for habitability by searching for organic in the Phoenix soils [3]. Mellitic acid (benzenehex- molecules in the ice or icy soils at the landing site.
    [Show full text]
  • Deep UV Raman Spectroscopy for Planetary Exploration: the Search for in Situ Organics
    Icarus 290 (2017) 201–214 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Icarus journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/icarus Deep UV Raman spectroscopy for planetary exploration: The search for in situ organics ∗ William J. Abbey a, Rohit Bhartia a, , Luther W. Beegle a, Lauren DeFlores a, Veronica Paez b, Kripa Sijapati c, Shakher Sijapati d, Kenneth Williford a, Michael Tuite a, William Hug c, Ray Reid c a Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive Ave, Pasadena, CA 91109, United States b Georgia Institute of Technology, North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, United States c Photon Systems Inc.,1512 W Industrial Park St, Covina, CA 91722, United States d University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, United States a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t Article history: Raman spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful, non-contact, non-destructive technique for detection and Received 26 September 2016 characterization of in situ organic compounds. Excitation using deep UV wavelengths ( < 250 nm), in par- Revised 24 January 2017 ticular, offers the benefits of spectra obtained in a largely fluorescence-free region while taking advantage Accepted 26 January 2017 of signal enhancing resonance Raman effects for key classes of organic compounds, such as the aromatics. Available online 1 March 2017 In order to demonstrate the utility of this technique for planetary exploration and astrobiological appli- Keywords: cations, we interrogated three sets of samples using a custom built Raman instrument equipped with a Astrobiology deep UV (248.6 nm) excitation source.
    [Show full text]
  • The Missing Organic Molecules on Mars
    The missing organic molecules on Mars Steven A. Benner*, Kevin G. Devine, Lidia N. Matveeva, and David H. Powell Departments of Chemistry, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 Communicated by Leslie Orgel, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego, CA, December 13, 1999 (received for review November 4, 1998) GC-MS on the Viking 1976 Mars missions did not detect organic and with the irradiation of the surface by ultraviolet light, the molecules on the Martian surface, even those expected from failure to detect organic substances led many to conclude that meteorite bombardment. This result suggested that the Martian one must dig deeply (and perhaps very deeply) below the regolith might hold a potent oxidant that converts all organic Martian surface to have a chance of encountering any organic molecules to carbon dioxide rapidly relative to the rate at which molecules that may have arisen from life on Mars (perhaps they arrive. This conclusion is influencing the design of Mars present several billion years ago, when the surface of Mars was missions. We reexamine this conclusion in light of what is known more like the surface of Earth at that time and when life almost about the oxidation of organic compounds generally and the certainly had emerged on Earth) or of encountering organic nature of organics likely to come to Mars via meteorite. We molecules that may have been delivered to Mars via meteorite conclude that nonvolatile salts of benzenecarboxylic acids, and (9, 10). perhaps oxalic and acetic acid, should be metastable intermediates Because this interpretation is influencing the design of mis- of meteoritic organics under oxidizing conditions.
    [Show full text]
  • Degradable Chelants Having Sulfonate Groups, Uses and Compositions Thereof
    Europa,schesP_ MM II M M MM I MM MM M M I M J European Patent Office «• o - B4 © Publication number: 0 516 102 B1 Office_„. europeen des brevets © EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION © Date of publication of patent specification: 10.05.95 © Int. CI.6: C07C 309/14, C1 1 D 3/34 © Application number: 92108980.1 @ Date of filing: 27.05.92 Degradable chelants having sulfonate groups, uses and compositions thereof. © Priority: 31.05.91 US 708534 © Proprietor: THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY 2030 Dow Center, @ Date of publication of application: Abbott Road 02.12.92 Bulletin 92/49 Midland, Michigan 48640 (US) © Publication of the grant of the patent: 10.05.95 Bulletin 95/19 @ Inventor: Crump, Druce K. 142 Oyster Creek Drive, Number 48 © Designated Contracting States: Lake Jackson, AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU MC Texas 77566 (US) NL PT SE Inventor: Wilson, David A. 229 San Saba © References cited: Richwood, DE-A- 3 337 026 Texas 77531 (US) US-A- 3 091 522 US-A- 3 703 545 US-A- 3 726 912 © Representative: Huber, Bernhard, Dlpl.-Chem. et al Patentanwalte H. Weickmann, Dr. K. Fincke F.A. Weickmann, B. Huber Dr. H. Liska, Dr. J. Prechtel, Dr. B. Bohm Postfach 86 08 20 CD D-81635 Munchen (DE) CM O CO lo Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person ® may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition Q,.
    [Show full text]
  • L. A. Ziolkowski, A.R. Chamberlin, J. Greaves, E.R.M
    LIMNOLOGY and Limnol. Oceanogr.: Methods 9, 2011, 140–149 OCEANOGRAPHY: METHODS © 2011, by the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography, Inc. Quantification of black carbon in marine systems using the benzene polycarboxylic acid method: a mechanistic and yield study L. A. Ziolkowski 1,2 *, A.R. Chamberlin 3, J. Greaves 3, and E.R.M. Druffel 1 1Department of Earth System Science, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697 2Origins Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8 3Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697 Abstract Quantification of black carbon (BC), carbonaceous material of pyrogenic origin, has typically required either chemical or thermal oxidation methods for isolation from heterogeneous matrices, such as sediment or soil. The benzene polycarboxylic acid (BPCA) method involves chemical oxidation of aromatic structures, such as those in BC, into BPCAs. We revised the BPCA method with the intent to quantify BC in marine dissolved organic carbon (DOC). As part of this work, we evaluated the mechanism and yield of the method using nine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and six BC reference materials. After 8 h of oxidation at 180°C, the average car - bon yield was 26 ± 7% C and was not correlated to the molecular weight of the PAH oxidized. The majority of observed BPCAs were nitrated, which has serious implications for the quantification of BC. Smaller PAHs favor the formation of less substituted BPCAs, whereas larger PAHs, such as coronene, favor the formation of more fully substituted BPCAs. Time-course experiments revealed variations of BPCA distributions over time, favoring less substituted BPCAs with longer oxidation times, whereas the carbon yield exhibited little variation.
    [Show full text]
  • Material Safety Data Sheet
    Material Safety Data Sheet Mellitic acid, 99% ACC# 05736 Section 1 - Chemical Product and Company Identification MSDS Name: Mellitic acid, 99% Catalog Numbers: AC125380000, AC125380010 Synonyms: Company Identification: Acros Organics N.V. One Reagent Lane Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 For information in North America, call: 800-ACROS-01 For emergencies in the US, call CHEMTREC: 800-424-9300 Section 2 - Composition, Information on Ingredients CAS# Chemical Name Percent EINECS/ELINCS 517-60-2 Mellitic acid, 99% 99 208-243-6 Section 3 - Hazards Identification EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Not available. Appearance: white powder. Not available. Target Organs: None. Potential Health Effects The toxicological properties of this material have not been investigated. Use appropriate procedures to prevent opportunities for direct contact with the skin or eyes and to prevent inhalation. Section 4 - First Aid Measures Eyes: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately. Skin: Get medical aid. Flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Ingestion: If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Get medical aid immediately. Inhalation: Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure and move to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically and supportively. Section 5 - Fire Fighting Measures General Information: As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear.
    [Show full text]
  • Bleach and Oxidation Catalyst Bleich- Und Oxidationskatalysator Catalyseur De Blanchiment Et D’Oxydation
    Europäisches Patentamt *EP001001009B1* (19) European Patent Office Office européen des brevets (11) EP 1 001 009 B1 (12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION (45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.7: C11D 3/395, D06L 3/02, of the grant of the patent: C07F 15/02, C07F 1/08, 03.09.2003 Bulletin 2003/36 C07F 13/00, B01J 31/18 (21) Application number: 98309169.5 (22) Date of filing: 10.11.1998 (54) Bleach and oxidation catalyst Bleich- und Oxidationskatalysator Catalyseur de blanchiment et d’oxydation (84) Designated Contracting States: • Whittaker, Jane DE ES FR GB IT Bebington, Wirral Merseyside CH63 3JW (GB) • Feringa, Bernard Lucas University of Groningen (43) Date of publication of application: Nijenborgh 4 9747 AG Groningen (NL) 17.05.2000 Bulletin 2000/20 • Hermant, Roelant Mathijs Unilever Res. Vlaardingen (73) Proprietors: 3133 AT Vlaardingen (NL) • UNILEVER PLC • Koek, Jean Hypolites Unilever Res. Vlaardingen London EC4P 4BQ (GB) 3133 AT Vlaardingen (NL) Designated Contracting States: • Rispens, Minze Theunis University of Groningen GB Nijenborgh 4 9747 AG Groningen (NL) • UNILEVER N.V. • van Vliet, Ronaldus Theodorus Leonardus 3013 AL Rotterdam (NL) 3133 AT Vlaardingen (NL) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR IT (74) Representative: Elliott, Peter William et al Unilever plc (72) Inventors: Patent Division • Delroisse, Michel Gilbert Jose Colworth House Bebington, Wirral Merseyside CH63 3JW (GB) Sharnbrook • Hage, Ronald Unilever Research Vlaardingen Bedford MK44 1LQ (GB) 3133 AT Vlaardingen (NL) • Kalmeijer, Robertus Everardus (56) References cited: 3133 AT Vlaardingen (NL) EP-A- 0 458 398 WO-A-95/34628 • Lamers, Christiaan WO-A-97/18035 WO-A-97/48787 Unilever Research Vlaardingen DE-A- 19 605 688 DE-A- 19 713 851 3133 AT Vlaardingen (NL) FR-A- 2 692 499 • Russell, Stephen William, Unilever Vlaardingen 3133 AT Vlaardingen (NL) Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted.
    [Show full text]
  • Solvent Extraction Experiments on Hat Creek
    SOLVENT EXTRACTION EXPERIMENTS ON HAT CREEK COAL Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the course in Chemical Engineering leading to the degree of Master of Applied Science. Graduate Tear, Faculty of Applied Science, The University of British Columbia. September 1, 19J+6 Frank Ekman ACHBOWLEDGMENTS I am pleased to acknowledge the help and guidance of Dr. W. F. Seyer during the past year. I am also indebted to Mr. Sun Yip, II.A,Sc., for advice based upon preliminary work he and others did for Dr. Seyer. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1. Introduction 1 2. Theoretical Considerations 2 a. The Origin of Coal 2 (1) The Lignin Theory 2 (2) The Cellulose Theory 6 b. Bie Chemistry of Goal 7 3. Apparatus and Plan of Work 12 4. Experimental Results 14 a. Preliminary Analyses of the Coal 14 b. Atmospheric Extraction 15 c. Pressure Extraction 22 d. Other Solvents 30 e. Separation of Extract and Solvent 32 f. Time-Extraction Relationships 34 g. Ultimate and Calorific Analyses 35 5. Summary 39 6. Conclusion 40 7. Bibliography 41 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Plate 1 - Electric Furnace Plate 2 - Pressure Bomb. li INTRODUCTION At Hat Creek, near Ashcroft, there is a large seam of lignite coal, This coal seam has a great economic asset; it can be mined by open-pit methods. There are, however, disadvantages. The coal* as mined, has too high an ash and water content and too low a calorific value to be commercially attractive. In addition, like all lignites, it slakes and crumbles on prolonged storage. Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Structural Crystal Chemistry of Organic Minerals: the Synthetic Route
    STRUCTURAL CRYSTAL CHEMISTRY OF ORGANIC MINERALS: THE SYNTHETIC ROUTE (1) Oscar E. Piro (1) Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata e Instituto IFLP (CONICET, CCT-La Plata), C. C. 67, 1900 La Plata, Argentina Correo Electrónico: [email protected] ‘Organic minerals’ means naturally occurring crystalline organic compounds including metal salts of formic, acetic, citric, mellitic and oxalic acids. The primary tool to disclose their crystal structure and their mutual relationship with each other and with synthetic analogues and also to understand their physicochemical properties is X-ray diffraction. The structure of several synthetic organic minerals was solved well before the discovery of their natural counterpart. On the other hand, complete crystal structure determination of early discovered organic minerals had to await the advent of combined synthetic and advanced X-ray diffraction methods. We review here the crystallography of organic minerals showing the importance of structural studies on their synthetic analogues. This will be highlighted by the cases of synthetic novgorodovaite, Ca 2(C 2O4)Cl 2·2H 2O, and its heptahydrate analogue, Ca 2(C 2O4)Cl 2·7H 2O, and the isotypic to each other stepanovite, NaMg[Fe(C 2O4)3]·9H 2O, and zhemchuzhnikovite, NaMg[Al xFe 1-x(C 2O4)3]·9H 2O. 1. Introduction Full crystallographic characterization of minerals by structural X-ray diffraction methods is frequently hampered by several drawbacks, including unavailability of natural samples, lack of purity and other disorders of these materials, and the difficulty in finding natural single crystals suitable for detailed structural work.
    [Show full text]