Simultaneity Extraction of Iron and Nickel from Acidic Leaching Solution of Laterite Ores with Emulsion Liquid Membrane

Abstract

The W/O/W double emulsion was prepared using Span-80 as surfactant, tributyl phosphate (TBP) as extractant, NH3•H2O solution as internal aqueous phase and kerosene as diluting agent. Simultaneity extraction of Iron and Nickel are from acidic leaching solution of laterite ones with the emulsion liquid membrane. The effects of various factors on the extractive result have been examined and discussed. The suitable composition of liquid membrane was: Span-80=5 %; TBP=4 %; NH3•H2O =2 mol/L; kerosene =89 %. And technological operating condition was determined as follows: Roi=1:1; Rew=1:3; sulphate solutions in external phase are 0.1mol/L. Under the optimal operation conditions, the secondary extraction efficiency of Nickel (II) and Iron is onto 90%.