Ion exchange separation in the analysis of bismuth base alloys : Part II. Ternary alloys containing uranium and thorium

Procedures are described for the analysis of bismuth base alloys containing uranium and thorium in the range from 0.1 to 10%. The thorium is first separated by the passage of a solution of the sample in 5M hydrochloric acid through a column of Deacidite FF in the chloride form. For thorium contents greater than about 1%, the determination is completed volumetrically with EDTA using pyrocatechol violet as the indicator. Smaller amounts are determined absorptiometrically by the thoronol method. Uranium is recovered from the ion-exchange column in a quantity of 0.2M hydrochloric acid, bismuth still being retained by the column under these conditions. Uranium contents greater than about 1% are determined volumetrically after reduction to the tetravalent state with a lead reductor, whilst smaller amounts are determined polarographically using a tartrate base solution.