SELECTIVE SEPARATION OF COPPER WITH LIX-864 IN A HOLLOW-FIBER MODULE

The transfer and separation of Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) ions across a hollow fiber supported liquid membrane containing LIX 864 as the mobile carrier dissolved in kerosene solvent has been investigated . The flux and selectivity for copper has been studied as a function o f the feed flow, the carrier concentration in the liquid membrane and the extraction solution acidity. A maximum copper recovery at 30% of L IX (v/v) in the diluent was obtained. The permeation experiments showe d that at pH 2 in the extraction solution a highly selective separatio n of Cu over the other cations can be achieved. Increasing the acidity of the extraction solution copper selectivity decrease and the grade of recuperation sequence is Cu > Co > Ni > Zn. These results suggest t hat in selected situations, this membrane system can be competitive wi th the conventional liquid-liquid extraction process, in particular in leaching solutions with low metal concentration. (C) 1998 Elsevier Sc ience B.V. All rights reserved.