In contemporary technology and industry, rubidium and cesium, as important alkali metal elements, play irreplaceable roles in advanced applications such as atomic clocks, optoelectronic materials, specialty glass, and energy conversion due to their unique physicochemical properties. However, these two elements are commonly associated with potassium and sodium in nature, making their separation and purification difficult. In particular, achieving efficient recovery from complex, low-grade resources such as salt lake brines and mica leachates has long been a major challenge for the industry.

Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction Company, leveraging its extensive expertise in liquid–liquid extraction technology and equipment, has developed an efficient and environmentally friendly centrifugal extraction solution to address the key challenges in rubidium and cesium separation, injecting strong momentum into the sustainable development of the industry.

Core Technology: Precision Extraction Process

Tiei Extraction employs a solvent extraction method, the core of which lies in utilizing highly selective extractants (such as t-BAMBP) for rubidium and cesium ions. Under alkaline conditions, t-BAMBP preferentially undergoes exchange reactions with rubidium and cesium ions, enabling their selective transfer from the complex aqueous phase into the organic phase. This process effectively separates them from coexisting impurities such as potassium and sodium.

Through rigorous process optimization, Tiei Extraction has established the optimal operating parameters: through multi-stage counter-current extraction (typically 3 to 4 stages) and precisely controlling alkalinity and phase flow ratios, the rubidium extraction recovery rate can exceed 99%, and it can achieve efficient separation of rubidium from potassium and sodium (the [Rb+]/[K+] ratio can reach 476), obtaining an extremely pure rubidium solution.

Key Equipment: CWL-M Series Centrifugal Extractor

Advanced processes require high-performance equipment to support them. Tiei Extraction’s independently developed CWL-M Series Centrifugal Extractor serves as a powerful tool for achieving precise separation. Compared with traditional extraction equipment, it offers several remarkable advantages:

Efficient Mass Transfer and Rapid Separation
Centrifugal Extractor generates a strong centrifugal force through high-speed rotation, allowing the two liquid phases to achieve full mixing and mass transfer within an extremely short time, followed by rapid separation. This greatly enhances extraction efficiency and processing capacity.
Continuous Operation and Automated Control
The system enables fully continuous and enclosed operation throughout the process. It is easy to integrate with automated control systems, featuring simple operation, low labor intensity, and high process stability.
Environmentally friendly, Safe, and Energy-Efficient
With excellent sealing performance, the equipment effectively reduces solvent evaporation and improves the working environment. Its compact footprint and streamlines the process, thereby lowering overall operational costs.
Flexible Adaptation and Broad Applicability
The equipment can be flexibly connected in series to achieve multi-stage counter-current or cross-current extraction, making it perfectly suited for the entire rubidium and cesium extraction process—including extraction, washing, and stripping stages.

Proven Application: Stable and Reliable Industrial Process

Tiei Extraction’s rubidium and cesium extraction and separation process is mature and highly stable. In this process, the feed solution and extractant undergo multi-stage centrifugal extraction, after which the loaded organic phase is purified through water washing and then transferred to the stripping stage to obtain a high-purity rubidium–cesium solution. The regenerated extractant can be recycled and reused, and the entire process achieves efficient resource recovery.

As the applications of rubidium and cesium continue to expand in high-tech fields, the demands for higher purity and greater production capacity are steadily increasing. Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction will continue to advance its expertise in centrifugal extraction technology, offering more efficient and environmentally friendly rubidium and cesium extraction solutions through cutting-edge processes and equipment.
Email: sales@tieiextraction.com
Whatsapp: +86 19069612820