Abstract
Abstract
The present study examines the applicability of ultrafiltration in the processing of filtration mother liquors generated during uranium production. In contrast to the conventional approach, in which membrane treatment is considered primarily as a method for solution clarification and purification, the present work demonstrates that ultrafiltration can additionally serve as a promising diagnostic tool for process monitoring. It is shown that the application of ultrafiltration makes it possible to detect the presence of fine-dispersed uranium-bearing phases, concentrate them within a small volume, perform subsequent identification of precipitate composition, and evaluate the magnitude of hidden uranium losses associated with mother liquors. Experimental data indicate that a significant portion of uranium may be present not only in dissolved form but also in the form of dispersed, colloidal, or mineral particle-associated compounds, which are not completely retained by conventional filtering materials. The application of ultrafiltration provides physical separation of such particles without the introduction of additional precipitating agents, thereby preserving the original nature of the isolated phase and improving the reliability of subsequent analysis. The obtained concentrate can be investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis in order to determine particle morphology, elemental composition, and the association of uranium with iron, silicon, aluminum, calcium, and other components. The proposed approach allows ultrafiltration to be regarded as an integrated method for the diagnosis and minimization of uranium losses rather than solely as a stage of liquid-phase purification.