An efficient method for recovery of organic phase from crud in solvent extraction unit of Sarcheshme copper complex in Iran by guar gum

Abstract

One of the problems of all industries that use metal extraction with organic solvents is stable emulsions and finally the formation of crud. The formation of crud is usually accompanied by the loss of a significant amount of the causal solvent and thus increases the process costs. Therefore, the removal of crud and recovery of its organic phase is of particular importance. In this research, the applicability of polysaccharides such as guar gum, xanthane gum, Arabic gum and starch for recovery of organic phase from the crud formed in copper extraction/electrowining unit of Sarchashmeh copper complex (IRAN) was studied. The results showed that guar gum is an effective additive which let the organic phase to be recovered with up to 95% yield. To ensure that gum do not have a negative effect on the system and that the absorption and desorption of copper is done correctly, the extraction/stripping properties of the organic phase separated with guar gum is compared with the organic phase separated without additives. Surface tension analysis of the guar gum-recovered organic phase also confirmed the suitability of guar gum for recovery of organic phase from crud.