IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,371,338
Granted Patent B2
US 12,371,338 · App. 16/780,397 · Granted Jul 29, 2025

Systems and methods for separating yttrium and strontium

Inventor: Matthew J. O'Hara (Richland, WA)
Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
C01F17/17C01F11/005C01G25/003C01G49/0009C22B26/20C22B61/00
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,371,338
App. No.
16/780,397
Granted
Jul 29, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

Systems and methods for separating Y and Sr are provided. The systems and methods provide combinations of solutions, vessels, and/or media that can provide Y solutions of industrially beneficial concentration.

Claims (20)

1. A method for separating Y and Sr, the method comprising:

providing a dilute acidic mixture equal to or less than 0.1M concentration of acid and comprising Y and Sr to a first vessel having a first media therein; and

while providing the dilute acidic mixture, retaining at least some of the Y from the dilute acidic mixture within the first vessel while eluting at least some of the Sr from the dilute acidic mixture to form a dilute acidic eluent having equal to or less than 0.1M concentration of acid.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the dilute acidic mixture comprises 90 Y and 90 Sr.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the dilute acidic mixture additionally comprises stable Sr, Ca and/or Ba.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the dilute acidic mixture comprises stockpiled Sr-bearing nuclear material.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the first media comprises a resin.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the first media comprises an HDEHP resin.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the first media comprises alkylphosphorus extractants.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the dilute acidic eluent comprises at least some Sr from the dilute acidic mixture.

9. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

providing the dilute acidic mixture from a reservoir; and

providing the dilute acidic eluent to the reservoir.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the dilute acidic mixture further comprises Zr.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein while providing the dilute acidic mixture, further comprising retaining at least some of the Zr from the dilute acidic mixture within the first vessel.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the dilute acidic mixture further comprises Fe.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein while providing the dilute acidic mixture, further comprising retaining at least some of the Fe from the dilute acidic mixture within the first vessel.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the dilute acidic mixture comprises HCl.

15. The method for separating Y and Sr of claim 1 , wherein the dilute acidic mixture has a K d of at least 10.

16. The method for separating Y and Sr of claim 15 , wherein the concentrated acid mixture has a K d of less than 10.

Assignments (3)
CONFIRMATORY LICENSE Recorded May 19, 2025
From: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
To: U. S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Reel/Frame 071149/0453 →
CONFIRMATORY LICENSE Recorded May 18, 2020
From: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE, PACIFIC NORTHWEST DIVISION
To: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Reel/Frame 052682/0394 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Apr 21, 2020
From: O'HARA, MATTHEW J.
To: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
Reel/Frame 052456/0537 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20210238051A1 · Aug 5, 2021
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