The use of lithium heteropolytungstate as an alternative to bromoform for heavy media separations

Mounteney, I.. 2011 The use of lithium heteropolytungstate as an alternative to bromoform for heavy media separations. Nottingham, UK, British Geological Survey, 20pp. (IR/11/049) (Unpublished)

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Abstract/Summary

This report describes a suggested new procedure for heavy media separation using non-toxic lithium heteropolytungstate as a replacement for bromoform and other halogenated organic solvents. This work was carried out as part of the Science Facilities’ Maintenance and Development of Capability (MaDCap) project. Lithium heteropolytungstate is commonly known as LST, relating to its composition of lithium, sodium and tungsten. The report firstly describes heavy liquids that were traditionally used for this purpose and then details a new heavy media separation methodology using LST. Results indicate that LST is by far the safest and most efficient heavy liquid suitable for this type of mineral separation. Issues regarding LST stability indicate potential contamination through initial sample preparation methods. A small study indicates that steel swarf from disc milling is responsible for heteropoly blue contamination of the LST and not pyrite as suggested by the manufacturers. It is therefore critical that extreme care should be taken when undertaking any sample preparation prior to heavy liquid separation.

Item Type:	Publication - Report
Programmes:	BGS Programmes 2010 > Minerals and waste
Funders/Sponsors:	British Geological Survey
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Report made open by author in March 2018. This item has been internally reviewed, but not externally peer-reviewed.
Date made live:	05 Mar 2018 14:03 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/519459

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