Work

Experimental investigation of droplet size distribution and Sauter mean diameter (d32) in uranium extraction via emulsion liquid membranes in a pulsed packed column

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This experimental study investigates the impact of operational parameters on droplet size, emulsion stability, and uranium extraction efficiency in a vertical pulsed packed column employing the emulsified liquid membrane (ELM) process. The emulsified liquid membrane consists of the surfactant Sorbitan Monolaurate (Span 80), the carrier Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phosphoric Acid (D2EHPA), an internal phase of Nitric Acid (HNO 3 ), and a diluent, kerosene. The results demonstrated that under optimal conditions (dispersed phase flow rate: 1.94 L/hr, continuous phase flow rate: 2.48 L/hr, and impact intensity: 0.75 cm/s), uranium extraction and stripping efficiencies reached 99.94% and 79.65%, respectively. Analysis of the droplet size distribution indicated that increasing the impact intensity from 0.5 to 1.0 cm/s reduced the mean droplet diameter (d 32 ) from 0.18 to 0.12 cm, resulting in a narrower droplet size distribution. Furthermore, an empirical relationship was developed to predict d 32 with a relative absolute error of 9.06%. The stability of the emulsion was confirmed with a breakage rate of 0.39% and swelling of 3.5%. The findings of this research provide novel insights into droplet measurement in the ELM system of the pulsed packed column and offer valuable data for industrial design.

Source: Nuclear Engineering and Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.net.2026.104395

Authors: Fatemeh Khoshgu-Fatmeh-Sary, Mahdi Davari-Azar, Abbas Rashidi, Jaber Safdari

Institutions: University of Mazandaran, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Radioactive element chemistry and processing

Subfield: Inorganic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $200