Estimation and modeling of organic entrainment in aqueous solution (O/A) in laboratory tests of copper solvent extraction (SX) plant

The losses of organic through entrainment (O/A), in the solvent extraction process, implies economic waste; for such reason we became interested in estimating the effect with three different oximes under different operational conditions, in addition, to model them in terms of physico-chemical variables, so that these losses can be predicted. The tests are made in Anetich reactor in aqueous continuity using Orfom SX 12 diluent, with the following concentrations of extracting agent 10 %, 15 % and 20 %. For the preparation of the measures model a factorial design is applied 2k to the tests. The results indicate that ketoxime displays a minor entrainment of O/A in average 40 % and 20 % less in comparison with aldoxime and the mixture respectively. The model is given by the equation: Entrainment of O/A=C - B Temperature - E pH + F Agitation; where C, B, E and F are specific constants of each reagent. (Author)