Experimental study of phase entrainment in copper solvent extraction

Abstract

The entrainment of the organic phase in the aqueous applied to typical solutions in a solvent extraction of copper process was studied. The organic phase used is composed of the commercial extractant LIX 984-N diluted in Shellsol 2046 AR. The aqueous phase contains 6 g/L of Cu2+, at pH 2 and 20 ºC. The variables studied were: mixing speed of 400 to 1000 rpm; mixing time of 3 to 30 minutes; initial pH of the electrolyte 2, 3, and 4; percentage of extractant in the organic phase 10 to 30% v/v; and copper concentration in the aqueous phase 1 to 6 g/L. It was determined that the entrainment of the organic phase in the aqueous is determined by the physical properties of the phases in equilibrium and by the system’s hydrodynamics, and it is a phenomenon that involves the advancing speed of the interphase (or dispersion band) and the displacement speed of the organic drops.

Process Intensification of Metal Solvent Extraction Studies using a Miniaturized Solvent Extraction Plant

“…To extract, scrub, and strip a metal or many metals depending on the goal (separation, purification, or both), multiple equilibrium stages (contactor-phase separator pairs) are necessary. Finally, auxiliary equipment may be required to assist in the organic phase treatment with clays, crud removal [62], and physical separation of organic entrainment in the aqueous phase or vice versa [63]. The successful application of MSXP to simulate the aforementioned realistic hydrometallurgical SX circuits would enable researchers and practitioners to optimize process parameters, design efficient and cost-effective circuits, and ultimately improve the recovery of energy-critical metals.…”