Two-stage countercurrent extraction

The numerical values of the extraction factor (a) are set by selecting the desired separation, the mode of extraction, and the number of extraction stages. For example, the value of a required for 90% americium removal by two stage countercurrent extraction is a = 2.54 (see Table I). As shown previously, the value of the americium distribution coefficient is a function of the salt composition i.e., the MgCl2 content of the salt and the composition of the diluent salt system. The value of the salt-to-metal ratio is set by the weight of salt and metal fed to the extraction. 

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