METHOD OF SEPARATING METALS SUCH AS ZIRCONIUM AND HAFFNIUM Russian patent published in 2006 - IPC C01G1/00 C01G25/00 C01G27/00 C22B34/14 

FIELD: hydrometallurgy.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a method allowing separation of some metals, in particular zirconium and haffnium. Method comprises separating metal 1 from metal 2 in aqueous solution of these metals. Being in solution, metals form polymers and/or copolymers, which prevents their passage through nanofiltration membrane. Method involves following stages: treating aqueous medium with ligand such as amino acid or poly(amino acid) to form complex with metal 1 or metal 2 followed by passing treated aqueous medium through filtration membrane. Membrane permeates through ligand-metal complexes but retains non-liganded metals.

EFFECT: achieved effective separation of zirconium for haffnium or other metals, zirconium/haffnium separation in a mineral or a fraction, and reduced separation temperature and operative expenses.

21 cl, 2 dwg, 3 ex