Design Optimisation for Solvent Extraction in a Modified Agitated Tube Reactor - 19400

To improve extraction efficiency, an agitated tube reactor (ATR) was adapted to act as a counter-current extractor. To optimise this adaptation the extraction conditions of the ATR were assessed using a variety of agitation frequencies and flow rates. Within the optimisation experiments, a 1:1 solvent:aqueous ratio of aqueous Cu(NO₃)₂ solution and organic mining extractant 2-Hydroxy-5-nonyl-acetophenone oxime in a kerosene diluent was used for the extraction of Cu (II). The degree of extraction of Cu (II) from the aqueous phase was measured using in situ UV-Vis analysis. Flow rates were performed at 60, 80 and 100 mL min^-1 and agitation frequency at 2, 4 and 6 Hz. (authors)