Separation and Recovery of Cu from Industrial Dust via a Solvometallurgical Process

Abstract

In this study, a solvometallurgical process for the recovery of Cu from industrial dust by leaching with a lixiviant comprising hydrochloric acid (HCl) and ethylene glycol followed by extraction with trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) was developed. Copper, Ni, Mg, and Al contained in the dust were efficiently dissolved by using HCl in ethylene glycol, leaving most of the Ag in the residue. The parameters (concentration of the lixivant, reaction temperature, pulp density) that affect leaching efficiency were extensively investigated and optimized. TOPO was used to selectively extract Cu over other metal ions (Ni, Mg, Al, and Ag) from the obtained leachate. The Cu extraction mechanism was investigated by using the slope method, and 0.1 mol/L sulfuric acid was used to strip Cu from the Cu-loaded TOPO. McCabe–Thiele plots for Cu extraction and stripping were constructed to determine the number of counter-current stages along with the volumetric flow ratio of the two phases. Counter-current Cu extraction and stripping simulation tests were carried out to confirm its feasibility. Finally, a flow diagram of the proposed process for separation and recovery of Cu from industrial dust is provided.