A process for the recovery of rare earth metals yttrium, lanthanum, terbium & europium from scrap fluorescence tube.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for the recovery of rare earth metals yttrium, lanthanum, terbium and europium from scrap florescence material. This invention particularly relates to the recycling of rare earth metals from outdated florescence lamp by leaching with hydrochloric acid. These florescence tube powders contain 11.6% yttrium, 2.81% lanthanum, 1.04% terbium and 0.61% europium. The novelty of the present invention is the production of mixed rare earth metal solution from obsolete fluorescence lamp using hydrochloric acid leaching and leaving all other metal (divalent metals: Ca, Ba) in leached residue. From the leach liquor of scrap fluorescence lamp material pure metal/ salt could be produced. The process not only conserves the natural resources but also meet the strict environmental regulations.