Extraction Rate of Copper by LIX63

Abstract

Extraction and stripping rates of copper by the industrial extraction reagent LIX63 are measured with an extraction apparatus with porous Teflon membrane. Three mass transfer resistances (copper and hydrogen ion in the boundary film of the aqueous phase and reagent in the membrane) are separated and the results are analyzed using the diffusion model accompanied by mono-complex formation and dissociation reaction in the aqueous phase. In the region of N_M∝ [(HR) _i/ (H^*)] ², extraction rate is limited by mass transfer of the complex in the membrane, and in the region of N_M∝ [(HR) _i/ (H^*)] ² extraction rate is limited by chemical reaction and diffusion of the complex in the aqueous phase, where N_M, (HR) _i and (H) ^* are respectively extraction rate and concentration of active component of LIX63 and hydrogen ion in the reaction zone.