Sulphate analysis in uranium leach iron(III) chloride solutions by inductively coupled Argon Plasma Spectrometry

Inductively coupled Argon Plasma Spectrometry is used for the indirect determination of sulphate in iron(III) chloride leach solution of Elliot Lake uranium ores via addition of a known amount of barium ions and analyzing for excess of barium. The ore contains approximately 7 wt% pyrite, FeS(2) as the major mineral which oxidizes to generate sulphate during leaching with fe(III). The effects of pH, the concentrations of Fe(III) and chloride ions and for presence of ethanol in the test samples on the accuracy of analysis are studied. It is found that unlike the Rhodizonate method, removal of iron(III) from or addition of ethanol to the test sample prior to analysis are not required. Linear calibration curves are obtained.