METHOD FOR SEPARATING ZIRCONIUM AND HAFNIUM TETRACHLORIDE WITH THE AID OF A MELTED SOLVENT

摘要

The invention relates to a method for separating zirconium and hafnium tetrachloride with the aid of a solvent comprising an alkaline metal solvent formed from an alkaline metal chloride salt and an acid metal chloride A, e.g. a chloroaluminate or an alkaline chloroferrate, and a metal chloride or an acid metaloid chloride B, whose acidity value is lower than that of the acid metal chloride A. The metal chloride or acid metalloid chloride B has an acidity value which is lower than that of the acid metal chloride A. The metal chloride or acid metalloid chloride B is preferably chosen from Mg, Zn and Cu chloride. The method can involve separation in a continuous manner, by selective absorption of the tetrachloride vapours by the solvent in a substantially or totally melted state.