A MASS-TRANSFER MODEL FOR THE HYDROMETALLURGICAL EXTRACTION OF TE(IV)BY TRI-N-BUTYL PHOSPHATE

Mass transfer of Te(IV) between an aqueous and an organic phase was st udied in a modified Lewis cell. The organic phase was composed of tri- n-butyl phosphate in kerosene. The transfer rate of Te(IV) from aqueou s to the organic phase was very fast. Based on experimental results, a mass transfer model was developed to indicate reaction front position and extent of extraction of Te(IV) under different experimental condi tions. The effect of Reynolds number and extractant concentration on t he extent of extraction was also studied both experimentally and theor etically. The results showed that, under the conditions of the experim ents, the overall rate is diffusion controlled.