In the field of hydrometallurgy, efficient and economical recovery of copper from PLS produced by heap leaching or in situ leaching has always been the key to improving the competitiveness of enterprises. While traditional mixer settler is widely used, their large footprint, long residence time, prone to emulsification, and high carryover losses are becoming increasingly problematic. The powerful combination of solvent extraction and centrifugal extraction technology is revolutionizing copper extraction efficiency in PLS.
Process Flow of Copper Extraction from PLS
- Liquid preparation: The copper-containing PLS solution is initially filtered to remove suspended solids to ensure smooth subsequent extraction.
- Extraction
The pretreated PLS and a specially formulated organic extractant are simultaneously pumped into the CWL-M centrifugal extractor. Under the powerful centrifugal field, the two phases are efficiently broken into extremely fine droplets, achieving an extremely large surface area for mass transfer. Copper ions (Cu²⁺) are rapidly and selectively transferred from the aqueous phase (PLS) to the organic phase. Centrifugal force achieves efficient separation in milliseconds, allowing the organic phase (copper-loaded) and the aqueous phase (raffinate) to be clearly and thoroughly separated and discharged. - Scrubbing: The loaded organic phase may contain small amounts of impurity ions (e.g., iron, manganese, etc.). Scrubbing with a washing solution in the CWL-M centrifugal extractor can be used to further purify the loaded organic phase.
- Stripping
The pure loaded organic phase and a highly concentrated sulfuric acid solution (lean electrolyte) enter the CWL-M centrifugal extractor together. Driven by centrifugal force, copper ions are efficiently stripped from the organic phase into the sulfuric acid solution, forming a high-purity, high-concentration copper-rich electrolyte (Rich Electrolyte). This is then sent directly to the electrolysis workshop for cathode copper production. The regenerated organic phase (lean organic phase) is recycled back to the extraction stage. - Regeneration and circulation of organic phase: After simple adjustment (such as adding a small amount of fresh extractant), the lean organic phase returns to the extraction stage to achieve continuous recycling.
Why Choose Solvent Extraction and Tiei CWL-M Centrifugal Extractor?
- Efficiency soars, production capacity leaps
Millisecond-level mass transfer and separation: Tiei CWL-M centrifugal extractor uses powerful centrifugal force to shorten the traditional mixing and clarification process of dozens of minutes to seconds, and the equipment processing capacity is increased several times.
Ultra-high throughput: The compact design achieves extremely high processing throughput per unit volume, easily meeting the needs of large-scale PLS processing. - Stable and reliable, worry-free operation
No vulnerable parts: Tiei CWL-M centrifugal extractor adopts a top-hung structure, eliminating the bottom mechanical seal of traditional models, thus completely solving the problems of bottom leakage and vulnerable mechanical seal of traditional models.
Strong anti-emulsification ability: Rapid separation characteristics effectively avoid the formation of emulsions and ensure smooth process.
Easy to start and stop: The equipment has extremely small liquid holding volume, quick start and stop, and flexible operation.
Automation integration: Easy to integrate with DCS/PLC systems to achieve precise control and remote monitoring. - Strong adaptability and flexible expansion
The number of stages can be adjusted flexibly, making it easy to optimize the process according to changes in PLS composition (copper concentration, impurity levels).
Modular design makes capacity expansion simple and fast.
4.Safety, environmental protection and green production
Significantly reduce operating costs: Extremely low phase carryover (< 100 ppm) reduces organic phase and extractant losses; shorter residence time reduces the risk of solvent degradation; high degree of automation reduces labor costs.
Closed operation effectively controls solvent volatilization, improves the working environment and protects the health of employees.
Reduce solvent loss and wastewater generation, lower environmental pressure and treatment costs.
In today's increasingly competitive world of copper resources, efficient and cost-effective copper recovery from PLS is crucial for future success. Solvent extraction, combined with Tiei Extraction's advanced centrifugal extractor technology, is becoming the preferred solution for modern hydrometallurgical copper smelters due to its revolutionary efficiency, significant cost advantages, exceptional stability, and environmentally friendly properties.
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Email: sales@tieiextraction.com
Whatsapp: +86 19069612820
