Method of separating hafnium from zirconium

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A method for separating hafnium and zirconium is disclosed in which unseparated zirconium and hafnium are dissolved in the molten state in a solvent metal, preferably zinc. This molten metal phase is contacted with a fused salt phase which includes a zirconium salt as one of its components. The desired separation is effected by mutual displacement with hafnium being, transported from the molten metal phase to the fused salt phase replacing, zirconium in the salt, while zirconium is transported from the fused salt phase to the molten metal phase. Separation factors of 300 or more per stage are achieved.