Extraction of copper from sulfate leach solution containing minor metallic constituents in mixer settler unit

Abstract

The present investigation describes R & D studies carried out for recovery of copper from the sulfate solution exp-ected from the leaching of e-wastes in presence of minor constituents such as cadmium, zinc and nickel using solvent extraction process. In order to extract copper in continuous mode in mixer settler unit (MSU),basic studies have been made to optimize the experimental condition using 5%LIX84 in kerosene. Subsequently, the solvent extr-action of copper was made in MSU maintaining leach soluti-on flow rate 4.0 L/h and A/O ratio 1. The results showed complete extraction (~97%) of copper in three stages at A/O ratio 1 from the aqueous solution containing 1.98g/L Cu at pH 1.91 in presence of impurities. Loaded metal was completely stripped after scrubbing with 10% sulfuric acid in two stages. The stripped solution could be used for met-al/ salt recovery by electrolysis/ crystallization.