Determination of nitric acid concentration in 30 vol% tbp-n-dodecane by measuring dielectric properties

Abstract

The applicability of dielectric property measurements as a means of in-line HN03 monitoring for the organic phase (30% TBP-n-dodecane) was evaluated. The dielectric properties of the organic phase (30% TBP-n-dodecane)-HN03-H20 system and organic phase-HN03-H20-U02(N03)2 system were measured with a concentric capacitance cell, and the influences of each component on the dielectric properties were estimated. In consequence, it was found that the variation in the dielectric constant, caused by the variation in the extracted HN03, was markedly greater than that caused by the same molar variations of H20 and U02(N03)2. For the organic phase- HN03-Hz0 system, this method could be used by itself as a convenient HN03 monitor. Furthermore, it was also useful in monitoring the HN03 concentration of the organic phase-HN03-H20- U02(N03)2 system, provided that the concentration of U02(N03)2 was known. An empirical formula to compensate the influence of U02(N03)2 was prepared, and the applicability has been discussed. © 1988 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.