In cutting-edge fields such as rare earth element purification and high-purity metal preparation, tributyl phosphate (TBP) plays an irreplaceable role as a highly efficient and selective extraction agent. With its unique molecular structure, TBP can precisely "capture" target metal ions in solution, enabling the separation and enrichment of valuable elements in complex systems. However, the low efficiency, high solvent loss, and insufficient automation of traditional intermittent extraction processes have become bottlenecks hindering the TBP extraction process from realizing greater value.

Continuous Extraction: the inevitable choice for efficiency and safety

Faced with large-scale production and stringent environmental requirements, continuous, automated extraction has become a clear direction for industry upgrades. Compared to traditional mixer settler, which suffer from numerous stages, large footprints, high solvent holdup, and low efficiency, continuous extraction processes achieve stable and efficient material flow within a closed system, significantly improving processing capacity, reducing solvent evaporation losses, and mitigating operational risks, injecting strong momentum into TBP extraction processes.

Centrifugal Extraction boosts the significant advantages of TBP process

The application of centrifugal extractors in TBP extraction systems demonstrates their superior performance in multiple dimensions:
1.Processing capacity: The throughput of a single equipment can reach more than 20m3/h, meeting the needs of large-scale continuous production.
2.Mass transfer efficiency: The stage efficiency is as high as over 90%, which greatly reduces the number of theoretical stages and equipment investment.
3.Solvent retention and loss: The equipment has extremely low liquid holdup, and solvent entrainment loss is reduced by more than 30%.
4.Operational flexibility and automation: quick start and stop, flexible flow adjustment, and easy integration with DCS intelligent control system.
5.Floor space: Compact structure, saving up to 70% of space.
6.Safety and environmental protection: fully enclosed operation effectively controls VOCs emission and ensures the safety of operators.

Application Scenario: precise separation, value creation

1.Rare earth separation and purification: When processing complex rare earth feed solutions, TBP centrifugal extraction can efficiently separate cerium, thorium and heavy rare earth elements, improving product purity and yield.
2.High-purity metal metallurgy: In processes such as zirconium and hafnium separation and tantalum and niobium extraction, TBP demonstrates excellent selectivity, and centrifugal extraction ensures continuous and stable operation and product consistency.
3.Pharmaceuticals/electronic chemicals: Deep removal of high value-added organic matter and metal impurities, centrifugal extractors provide precise separation assurance.
4.Nuclear fuel cycle: In the purification and recovery of uranium and plutonium, the TBP/kerosene system combined with a centrifugal extractor is the key to achieving efficient, safe and continuous extraction that meets the stringent standards of the nuclear industry.

Centrifugal Extractor: the core engine of continuous extraction

The core equipment of Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction, the CWL-M series centrifugal extractor, is a continuous solution tailored for TBP and other extraction systems. Its working principle cleverly combines high-speed centrifugal force with precise fluid mechanics design:
1.Efficient mixing: The light and heavy phase materials are instantly sheared and crushed in the high-speed rotating drum, forming a highly dispersed mixing system. The TBP extractant is able to fully contact the material and liquid, and the mass transfer efficiency is greatly improved.
2.Rapid separation: Under the action of the powerful centrifugal field, the density difference is magnified hundreds to thousands of times, allowing the two phases to be separated extremely quickly and thoroughly, effectively avoiding entrainment.
3.Continuous operation: The mixing and separation processes are completed instantly and synchronously inside the equipment. Fresh feed and extractant continue to flow in, and the loaded organic phase and raffinate phase flow out continuously, forming an efficient and stable continuous processing flow.

Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction is deeply engaged in the field of liquid-liquid extraction. Our CWL-M series centrifugal extractor has been successfully used in numerous TBP extraction projects, helping customers achieve continuous, efficient, and environmentally friendly extraction process upgrades. We provide comprehensive services from process optimization and equipment selection to installation and commissioning.
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Email: sales@tieiextraction.com
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