Extraction of Co, Ni and Cu by the solvent extraction method with simulation setup for control, alarm and protection system

Solvent extraction is an effective method for extracting elements, such as Co, Ni, and Cu, from the pregnant solution. D2EHPA, Tributylphosphate (TBP), Cyanex 272, Cyanex 301 and LIX 984 are used as extractants in this study. Moreover, selective extraction of Co, Ni and Cu from a synthetic and industrial solution including Co, Cu, Ni, Zn and Fe elements was done by changing the effective parameters such as mixing speed and time, organic concentration, pH and temperature. In this regard, a control and monitoring system has been designed to monitor all effective parameters on the extraction process, motor status and alarms anytime. Experiment results indicated that 99% Co had been extracted by Cyanex 272 when mixing speed, the mixing time and temperature were 500 RPM, 3 min and 28°C, respectively. Then about 98% Ni was extracted using Cyanex 301 extractant. Finally, LIX 984 extractant extracted 99.9% Cu from its liquid solution.