Ion-exchange

A common method for concentrating uranium from a solution. The uranium solution is passed through a resin bed where the uranium-carbonate complex ions are transferred to the resin by exchange with a negative ion like chloride. After build-up of the uranium complex on the resin, the uranium is eluted with a salt solution and the uranium is precipitated in another process.

Reversible exchange of ions adsorbed on a mineral or synthetic polymer surface with ions in solution in contact with the surface. A chemical process used for recovery of uranium from solution by the interchange of ions between a solution and a solid, commonly a resin.