THE ACID GENERATED IN THE TANKHOUSE IS RETURNED IN COPPER-DEPLETED

ELECTROLYTE TO STRIP MORE COPPER FROM THE CIRCULATING LOADED ORGANIC

SOLUTION. THE ORGANIC REAGENT IS REGENERATED DURING THE STRIPPING
PROCESS AND IS RETURNED TO THE EXTRACTION SECTION TO EXTRACT MORE
COPPER.
Extraction CuSO4(aq) + 2LH(org) CuL2(org) + 2H+(aq)
Stripping CuL2(org) + 2H+(aq) CuSO4(aq) + 2LH(org)
Equilibrium constant (K) = [CuL2] . [H+]2
[CuSO4] . [LH]2
Distribution (D) = Cu(org) is given
Cu(aq)
by Log D = Log K = 2 Log [LH] + 2pH

Mode of Operation
Cross-Current Operation
Crosscurrent mode is mostly used in batch operation. Batch
extractors have traditionally
been used in low capacity multi-product plants such as are typical in
the pharmaceutical
and agrochemical industries. For washing and neutralization
operations that require very
few stages, crosscurrent operation is particularly practical and
economical and offers a
great deal of flexibility. The extraction equipment is usually an
agitated tank that may
also be used for the reaction steps.
In these tanks, solvent is first added to the feed, the contents are
mixed, settled and then

separated. Single stage extraction is used when the extraction is

fairly simple and can be
achieved without a high amount of solvent. If more than one stage
is required, multiple
solvent-washes are given.
Though operation in crosscurrent mode offers more flexibility, it is
not very desirable due
to the high solvent requirements and low extraction yields.
Counter-Current Operation
For larger volume operation and more efficient use of solvent,
countercurrent mixersettlers
or columns are employed. Countercurrent operation conserves the
mass transfer
driving force and hence gives optimal performance.
The dimensionless term mS/F, included in all the above equations, is
called the extraction
factor (E), and is an important parameter in the design of extraction
processes. For a
given number of stages, the higher the E factor, the higher is the
reduction ratio and
easier is the extraction. Systems with E of less than 1.3 are not
likely to be commercially
feasible.

Different Types of Extractant

Different Types of Extractants determine how well the extraction yield. It
affect the time taken, the solubility, pH values and selectivity(product
purity). Below are 5 main extractants and its advantages and uses.
Extractants are used because it is necessary to form a chemical compound
(= complex) with the solute and thus make it soluble in the organic phase.

Chelating Agents
Main commercial extractants for copper
Operate on hydrogen ion cycle.
Function with acid and ammoniacal leach solutions
More selective than other extractant classes
Kinetically slower than ion pair extractants
Have good physical properties in terms of phase separation, low aqueous
solubility,
chemical stability

Ions-Pair Extractants
Commercial extractants for uranium, thorium, vanadium, gold, cobalt and other
metals
Kinetics, both extraction and stripping are fast
Extraction is usually of a metal anion complex
Selectivity is not high. Other anions can compete with the metal being extracted
Selectivity can be pH dependent

Neutral / Solvating Extractants

Kinetically fast
Extract neutral metal complexes
Selectivity is low
Organometallic complex must be organic soluble

Organic Acid Extractants

Operate on a hydrogen ion cycle but do not display hydrogen ion stoichiometry.
Selectivity is poor and careful pH control may be required to achieve reasonable
selectivity

Ligand Subtitution Extractants

 Extraction is not pH sensitive

Stripping(transfer of the metal back into a second pure aqueous phase for winning
or
further processing) is by decomposition of the metal ligand chloride complex at
relatively
low chloride ion
concentration
Selectivity can be very high and is based to an extent on extraction kinetics