Separating Rare-Earth Elements on Centrifugal Extractors: Developing Technology, Designing Equipment, and Engineering Production

The results of studies on the extraction separation of REE concentrate isolated from phosphogypsum into 75 vol % TBP in a diluent are presented. The proposed technology has been tested in a pilot plant using an automated cascade of centrifugal extractors of the ETs-10FA model. The design of a centrifugal extractor made of high-molecular-weight polyethylene ETs-1000PB has been developed and its serial production has been mastered. An experimental production has been organized for the separation of REEs with the production of high-purity compounds of cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, and praseodymium on centrifugal extractors.