Experimental Design in Solvent Extraction: A Study for Divalent Metals Separation in D2EHPA/Isoparaffin System

Clenilson Da Silva Sousa Junior, Marisa Nascimento, Lídia Yokoyama, Osvaldo Galvão Caldas Da Cunha

Coordination of Metallurgical and Environmental Processes, Centre for Mineral Technology, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
IFRJ—Federal Institute of Educacion, Science and Technology of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
UFRJ—Chemistry College, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

DOI: 10.4236/eng.2012.411104                

Abstract

The solvent extraction process combined with tools of experimental design assists in developing procedures for separation and purification of elements or mineral compounds with high purity. In this work the technique was used to replace the traditional methods for the collection of basic information required for the development of a circuit of solvent extraction. According to the literature, several factors may influence the extraction of divalent metals by D2EHPA in sulfate media, among which the concentration of metals in solution. The objective was to study the variables affecting the separation process Mn/Ni/Co/Cu, such as the aqueous/organic (A/O), contact time, concentrations of the divalent metals in sulfuric medium, pH and solvent concentration. An investigation into the variables that control the process was done using a “cube + star” experimental design, with central point. The results demonstrate it is possible to obtain of a satisfactory mathematical model that describes the process.

Keywords

Experimental Design; D2EHPA; Solvent Extraction; Divalent Metals

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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