Centrifugation of Interphase Suspension with the Use of Surfactants

Abstract

Currently, in non–ferrous metallurgy, hydrometallurgical methods are practiced for metal recovering from copper ore in addition to pyrometallurgy, for example, SX–EW (solvent extraction–electrowinning). Although this technology gives the opportunity to get cathode copper from oxidized ores without thermal impact on the material, it has several disadvantages, one of which is the formation of interphase suspension or “crud” in the extraction process. The interphase suspension impedes and worsens extraction process performances and carries away the large number of valuable components, such as extractant, diluent and copper–containing solution. At present, this interphase suspension is not recycled, instead it is drained from the extractor and stored. Interphase suspension recycling is a highly relevant problem of hydrometallurgical production.