Technology of Chloride-Ion Utilization from Filtrates of Carbonate Circuit of Nickel Production

Abstract

The problem of sulphate solution purification, in particular solutions of carbonate branch after nickel precipitation, from chloride ion can be solved effectively by extraction process. Trialkylamine available commercially (TAA) (alkyl—C8-C10 and C7-C9) has been used in this study. The dependences of chloride ion extraction on temperature, pH and composition of aqueous phase, and composition of organic phase have been investigated. Triethylbenzene, kerosene, diesel oil, syntin with different additions (2-ethylhexanol, hexanol, tributylphosphate) were used as the solvents. The optimum composition of organic phase (0.5-0.6 M TAA in kerosene with addition of 2-ethylhexanol) and the conditions of chloride ion extraction from sulphate solutions have been determined. Chloride ion stripping from organic phase was conducted by alkali solutions to obtain a concentrated solution of sodium chloride. The technology of chloride ion recovery from filtrates of carbonate branch of nickel plant (Norilsk Mining and Metallurgical plant) has been developed and tested on an industrial scale. The initial filtrate contained in g/l: chloride ion I6-I8, sulphate ion 60-65, impurities of metals. After purification, the chloride ion concentration in solution was less than 0.3 g/l (chloride ion recovery was more than 95%). After stripping of chloride ion with alkali solution, the stripping solutions containing 200-220 g/l NaCl and < 2 g/l sulphate ion. The stripping solutions underwent an electrolysis to obtain chlorine and sodium hydroxide solutions. The developed technology allows recovery of chloride ion from sulphate solution.