Patent Number: 040382028
Section: description

The present invention will be further illustrated by way of the following example: EXAMPLE In the manner of copending application Ser. No. 284,061 of Votocek, a mixture of a nitrate deficient uranyl nitrate solution and a solution of both hexamethylene tetramine and urea was sprayed in air over a liquid sold under the name Dobane PT-12 by Shell Nederland N.V. Dobane PT-12 is identified as a mixture of one or more alkyl substituted benzenes having in its alkyl chain an average number of 12 carbon atoms. To the Dobane PT-12 was added a quantity of 0.2 percent by volume of Atlox 3386. Atlox 3386 is a surface active substance based on a poly oxyethylene sorbitol fatty acids -- alkyl aryl sulphonate blend having a HLB number of 9.6. Atlox 3386 is sold by Atlas Chemical Industries. As the alkyl benzene mixture was heated to about 100.degree. C, solidification of the droplets sprayed into the organic liquid occurred due to the decomposition of the hexamethylene tetramine (hexa) and the urea into ammonia. The conditions of this example were as follows: Concentration of nitrate deficient uranyl nitrate solution 3 molar. ratio of nitrate ions to uranyl ions 1.5 - 1.6, in other words NO.sub.3 l/UO.sub.2 is between 1.5 and 1.6. Concentration of hexamethylene tetramine and urea both 3 molar. Mixing ratio: Volume of uranyl solution/volume of 3 M hexa + 3 M urea = 1/1.4 to 1/1.5 Temperature of the mixture before dispersion: 2.degree. to -5.degree. C. Temperature of the alkyl substituted benzenes mixture: 93.degree.-96.degree. C. After solidification the droplets were separated from the organic liquid and washed out with water of which the pH was adjusted to a pH of 9 or higher by the addition of ammonia solution which contained a 0.2 percent by volume of Atlox 3335. Atlox 3335 is a surface active substance based on a poly oxy ethylene sorbitan ester of fatty and resin acids -- alkyl aryl sulphonate blend having a HLB number of 13.0. Atlox 3335 is marketed by Atlas Chemical Industries. Practical concentrations of Atlox 3335 range between 0.2 and 1 percent by volume.