Au(I) extraction by LIX-79/ n-heptane using the pseudo-emulsion-based hollow-fiber strip dispersion (PEHFSD) technique

Abstract

The extraction of Au(I) from alkaline cyanide solutions through PEHFSD was conducted in a microporous hydrophobic polypropylene hollow-fiber membrane contactor. The organic extractant LIX-79 ( N, N-bis(2-ethyl hexyl)guanidine) in n-heptane was used. The alkaline cyanide feed solution containing Au(I) was passed through the tube side, and pseudo-emulsions of LIX-79/ n-heptane and NaOH were passed through the shell side in counter-current mode, using a single microporous hydrophobic polypropylene hollow-fiber contactor for extraction and stripping. In PEHFSD the aqueous strip (0.2 M NaOH) solution is dispersed in the organic (12% LIX-79/ n-heptane) membrane solution in a container with a mixing arrangement (impeller stirrer) designed to form a strip dispersion. The strip dispersion is circulated from the mixer to the membrane module to provide a constant supply of the LIX-79/ n-heptane solution to the membrane pores. Various hydrodynamic and chemical parameters, such as variation in feed pH; gold cyanide concentration in feed; variation in concentrations of NaOH, LIX-79/ n-heptane and Au(I); variation in feed, strip and LIX-79/ n-heptane volume ratios and variation in feed and strippant flow rates, were investigated. Mass transfer modeling was performed and the validity of the model was evaluated with experimental data and found to tie in well with theoretical values. It was possible to concentrate Au(I) in product (NaOH) using the PEHFSD technique.