Biosource diluent for liquid-liquid extraction of metals for battery recycling

Abstract

The invention relates to the use of a hydrocarbon fluid as a diluent for liquid-liquid extraction of metals, in particular in a hydrometallurgical process for battery recycling, said hydrocarbon fluid comprising at least 75% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to OECD standard 301B.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: BIOSOURCE DILUENT FOR LIQUID-LIQUID EXTRACTION OF METALS FOR BATTERY RECYCLING

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates to the use of a bio-sourced isoparaffinic fluid as a diluent for the liquid-liquid extraction of metals, in particular implemented in a hydrometallurgical process for recycling batteries. The invention also relates to a hydrometallurgical process comprising at least one liquid-liquid extraction step and at least one step for recovering at least one metal.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Global lithium-ion battery production will grow exponentially in the coming years, particularly with the development of electric vehicles. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the number of electric vehicles in circulation is expected to reach at least 145 million units by 2030.

[0007] The expansion in the number of batteries creates increased needs in terms of recycling.

[0008] Currently, battery recycling processes, developed and being industrialized, generally use a hydrometallurgical step which is a technique for extracting / recovering and purifying metals. This liquid-liquid extraction is carried out with an extractant itself dissolved in a diluent.

[0009] In state-of-the-art processes, this diluent is a hydrocarbon solvent derived from refining, often kerosene or a dearomatized aliphatic product. The use of such a diluent in the battery recycling process results in the use of non-renewable material, which is contrary to the objective of reducing the impact on the environment.

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a bio-sourced, easily biodegradable hydrocarbon fluid, as a diluent for the liquid-liquid extraction of metals, used in particular in the recycling of electric battery electrodes by a hydrometallurgical process.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The invention relates to the use of a hydrocarbon fluid as a diluent for the liquid-liquid extraction of metals, said hydrocarbon fluid comprising at least 75% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to the OECD 301 B standard.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid comprises, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid: at least 80% by weight of isoparaffins, preferably at least 90% by weight, more preferably at least 95% by weight, and / or at most 20% by weight of normal paraffins, preferably at most 10% by weight, more preferably at most 5% by weight, and / or at most 1% by weight of naphthenes, and / or less than 50 ppm by weight of aromatics.

[0014] Preferably, the hydrocarbon fluid has: a flash point greater than or equal to 80°C, preferably greater than or equal to 110°C, preferably greater than or equal to 120°C, or even greater than or equal to 140°C according to the ASTM D93 standard, and / or a kinematic viscosity at 40°C less than or equal to 5 cSt, preferably less than or equal to 4 cSt, and / or a biogenic carbon content of at least 90% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 97% by weight, relative to the total weight of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid has: an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 200 to 400°C, preferably from 240 to 350°C, more preferably from 250 to 340°C, and / or a difference between the final boiling point and the initial boiling point ranging from 10°C to 80°C, preferably from 20°C to 50°C.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid comprises, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid: from 30 to 60% by weight of C15 isoparaffins and from 30 to 60% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, or from 5 to 15% by weight of C15 isoparaffins, from 30 to 60% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins, and from 10 to 30% by weight of C18 isoparaffins, or from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins and from 60 to 90% by weight of C18 isoparaffins.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid according to the invention has a flash point ranging from 80°C to 95°C (ASTM D93) and comprises, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid: from 0.5 to 15% by weight of isoparaffins having less than 13 carbon atoms, from 5 to 25% by weight of C13 isoparaffins, and from 5 to 30% by weight of C14 isoparaffins, and from 5 to 30% by weight of C15 isoparaffins, and from 25 to 50% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, and from 10 to 25% by weight of isoparaffins having more than 16 carbon atoms, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid, preferably, said fluid comprises from 75 to 90% by weight of isoparaffins and from 10 to 25% by weight of n-paraffins, relative to the total weight of the fluid.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid is used in a mixture with from 0.01 to 5% by weight of one or more antioxidant additives, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid and the antioxidant additive(s).

[0019] Preferably, the fluid is used as a diluent in a hydrometallurgical process comprising at least one liquid-liquid extraction of metals using an extraction solution comprising said diluent and at least one extractant. Preferably, the metals are obtained from the recycling of one or more batteries.

[0020] The invention also relates to a process for the liquid-liquid extraction of metals comprising at least one step of bringing a solution of metals M into contact with an extraction solvent, said extraction solvent comprising at least one diluent and at least one extractant, said diluent being a hydrocarbon fluid comprising at least 75% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to the OECD 301 B standard.

[0021] The invention also relates to a hydrometallurgical process for recycling batteries, said process comprising: a step of dissolving the metals present in at least one battery, in particular in the electrodes of said at least one battery, making it possible to obtain a solution of metals M, optionally a clarification step carried out on said solution of metals M making it possible to eliminate the residues not dissolved in the solution of metals, a process for liquid-liquid extraction of metals according to the invention.

[0022] Preferably, the hydrocarbon fluid used in the liquid-liquid metal extraction process according to the invention or in the hydrometallurgical process for recycling batteries according to the invention comprises one or more of the following characteristics: the hydrocarbon fluid comprises, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid: o at least 80% by weight of isoparaffins, preferably at least 90% by weight, more preferably at least 95% by weight, and / or o at most 20% by weight of normal paraffins, preferably at most 10% by weight, more preferably at most 5% by weight, and / or o at most 1% by weight of naphthenes, and / or o less than 50 ppm by weight of aromatics, the hydrocarbon fluid has: o a flash point greater than or equal to 80°C, preferably greater than or equal to 110°C, preferably greater than or equal to 120°C, or even greater than or equal to 140°C depending on the ASTM D93 standard, and / or o a kinematic viscosity at 40°C less than or equal to 5 cSt,preferably less than or equal to 4 cSt, and / or o a biogenic carbon content of at least 90% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 97% by weight, relative to the total weight of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon fluid, the hydrocarbon fluid has: o an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 200 to 400°C, preferably from 240 to 350°C, more preferably from 250 to 340°C, and / or o a difference between the final boiling point and the initial boiling point ranging from 10°C to 80°C, preferably from 20°C to 50°C, the hydrocarbon fluid comprises, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid: o from 30 to 60% by weight of C15 isoparaffins and from 30 to 60% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, or o from 5 to 15% by weight of C15 isoparaffins, from 30 to 60% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins, and from 10 to 30% by weight of C18 isoparaffins,or o from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins and from 60 to 90% by weight of C18 isoparaffins, the hydrocarbon fluid has a flash point ranging from 80°C to 95°C and comprises, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid: o from 0.5 to 15% by weight of isoparaffins having less than 13 carbon atoms, o from 5 to 25% by weight of C13 isoparaffins, and o from 5 to 30% by weight of C14 isoparaffins, and o from 5 to 30% by weight of C15 isoparaffins, and o from 25 to 50% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, and o from 10 to 25% by weight of isoparaffins having more than 16 carbon atoms, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid, preferably, said fluid comprises from 75 to 90% by weight of isoparaffins and from 10 to 25% by weight of n-paraffins, relative to the total weight of the fluid.,

[0023] The hydrocarbon fluid according to the invention has a low density, in particular a lower density than hydrocarbon solvents of petroleum (fossil) origin, which makes it particularly effective for its use as a diluent for the liquid-liquid extraction of metals.

[0024] The hydrocarbon fluid according to the invention is particularly stable. In particular, it exhibits excellent thermal stability, excellent oxidation stability and excellent UV stability, which makes it possible to extend the service life of the diluent and thus minimize the diluent replacement steps.

[0025] The hydrocarbon fluid according to the invention has low evaporation for a given flash point, which makes it possible to reduce the loss of fluid by evaporation and therefore to improve the yields and the implementation of the process.

[0026] The invention makes it possible to provide a bio-sourced diluent having excellent extraction properties when used in an extraction solvent comprising a metal extractant. The hydrocarbon fluid defined in the invention thus has good compatibility with metal extractants, in particular for metals used in electric batteries.

[0027] The inventors have in fact discovered that the hydrocarbon fluid defined in the present invention exhibits a diluent / extraction pair having good extractability for metals including in particular excellent selectivity towards the metals of interest.

[0028] More specifically, the invention proposes a process for recycling electric batteries using a diluent of bio-sourced origin, thus having a lower impact on the environment, making it possible to recover and selectively recover metals with improved efficiency.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The invention relates to a use of a hydrocarbon fluid as a diluent for the liquid-liquid extraction of metals, in particular in a hydrometallurgical process, said hydrocarbon fluid comprising at least 75% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to the OECD 301 B standard.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a process for the liquid-liquid extraction of metals comprising at least one step of bringing a solution of metals M into contact with an extraction solvent, said extraction solvent comprising at least one diluent and at least one extractant, said diluent being a hydrocarbon fluid comprising at least 75% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to the OECD 301 B standard.

[0032] Finally, the present invention relates to a hydrometallurgical process for recycling batteries, said process comprising:

[0033] A step of dissolving the metals present in at least one battery, in particular in the electrodes of said at least one battery, making it possible to obtain a solution of metals M,

[0034] Optionally a clarification step implemented on said solution of metals M making it possible to eliminate the residues not dissolved in the solution of metals, A liquid-liquid extraction step of metals comprising at least one step of bringing the solution of metals M into contact with an extraction solvent, said extraction solvent comprising at least one diluent and at least one extractant, said diluent being a hydrocarbon fluid comprising at least 75% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to the OECD 301 B standard.

[0035] The hydrocarbon fluid used in the invention is typically of bio-sourced origin.

[0036] As a preliminary point, it will be noted that, in the following description and claims, the expression "between" must be understood as including the limits cited.

[0037] For the purposes of the present invention, the word "paraffins" includes isoparaffins and n-paraffins.

[0038] For the purposes of the present invention, the word “isoparaffins” denotes non-cyclic branched alkanes.

[0039] For the purposes of the present invention, the word “n-paraffins” denotes non-cyclic linear alkanes.

[0040] For the purposes of the present invention, the word "naphthenes" denotes cyclic (non-aromatic) alkanes.

[0041] Hydrocarbon fluid used as a diluent:

[0042] The hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises a content of at least 75% by weight of isoparaffins, preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight of isoparaffins, or even at least 95% by weight, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0043] The hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises a content of less than or equal to 25% by weight of normal paraffins, preferably less than or equal to 20% by weight, more preferably less than or equal to 10% by weight of normal paraffins, or even less than or equal to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0044] Preferably, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention has a mass ratio of isoparaffins to normal paraffins of at least 4:1, preferably at least 9:1, more preferably at least 12:1, preferably at least 15:1, or even at least 19:1. Preferably, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid, a content by weight of naphthenic compounds of less than or equal to 1%, preferably less than or equal to 0.5% and more preferably less than or equal to 100 ppm.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises at least 80% by weight of isoparaffins, less than 20% by weight of n-paraffins, less than 1% by weight of naphthenes and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid, a weight content of isoparaffins ranging from 90 to 100% and a weight content of normal paraffins ranging from 0 to 10%, preferably from 95 to 100% of isoparaffins and from 0 to 5% of normal paraffins and more preferably from 98% to 100% of isoparaffins and from 0 to 2% of normal paraffins.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises a weight content of isoparaffins ranging from 90 to 100%, a weight content of normal paraffins ranging from 0 to 10% and a weight content of naphthenes less than or equal to 1%, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0048] Preferably, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises a weight content ranging from 95 to 100% of isoparaffins, a weight content ranging from 0 to 5% of normal paraffins and a weight content less than or equal to 0.5% of naphthenes, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0049] More preferably, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises a weight content ranging from 98% to 100% of isoparaffins, from 0 to 2% of normal paraffins and a weight content of naphthenes less than or equal to 100 ppm, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0050] The contents of isoparaffins, normal paraffins and naphthenes can be determined using any methods known to those skilled in the art, for example by gas chromatography.

[0051] The hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, preferably less than 50 ppm by weight of aromatics, more preferably less than 20 ppm by weight of aromatics, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0052] The aromatic content can be determined according to any methods known to those skilled in the art, for example by UV spectrometry. According to a preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises a weight content of isoparaffins ranging from 90 to 100%, a weight content of normal paraffins ranging from 0 to 10%, a weight content of naphthenes less than or equal to 1% and a weight content of aromatic compounds less than or equal to 100 ppm. Preferably, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises a weight content ranging from 95 to 100% of isoparaffins, from 0 to 5% of normal paraffins, a weight content of naphthenes less than or equal to 0.5% and a weight content of aromatic compounds less than or equal to 50 ppm.Preferably also the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises a weight content ranging from 95 to 100% of isoparaffins, from 0 to 5% of normal paraffins and a weight content of aromatic compounds less than or equal to 100 ppm. More preferably the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises a weight content ranging from 98% to 100% of isoparaffins, from 0 to 2% of normal paraffins, a weight content of naphthenes less than or equal to 100 ppm and a weight content of aromatic compounds less than or equal to 100 ppm.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention has a biogenic carbon content of at least 90% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 97% by weight, relative to the total weight of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0054] Biogenic carbon content (also referred to as bio-derived carbon) can be determined according to ASTM D6866 2020.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises at least 80% by weight of isoparaffins, less than 20% by weight of n-paraffins, less than 1% by weight of naphthenes and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid and has a biogenic carbon content of at least 90% by weight relative to the total weight of the carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises at least 90% by weight of isoparaffins, less than 10% by weight of n-paraffins, less than 1% by weight of naphthenes and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid and has a biogenic carbon content of at least 90% by weight relative to the total weight of the carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon fluid. The hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention also preferably has an extremely low content by weight of sulfur compounds, typically less than or equal to 5 ppm, preferably less than or equal to 3 ppm and more preferably less than or equal to 0.5 ppm at a level too low to be detected using conventional low-sulfur analyzers.

[0057] The hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention also preferably has a flash point greater than or equal to 80°C, preferably greater than or equal to 110°C, preferably greater than or equal to 120°C and more preferably greater than or equal to 140°C according to the ASTM D93 standard. A high flash point, typically greater than 110°C, makes it possible in particular to overcome safety problems during storage and transport while avoiding excessive flammability of the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention has a flash point ranging from 80°C to 105°C according to the ASTM D93 standard. The inventors have in fact observed that this flash point range makes it possible to further improve the performance of the diluent in the context of liquid-liquid extraction and in particular for battery recycling.

[0059] The hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention also preferably has a vapor pressure at 20°C less than or equal to 0.01 kPa.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention also preferably has a flash point greater than or equal to 110°C according to standard ASTM D93 and a vapor pressure at 20°C less than or equal to 0.01 kPa.

[0061] Preferably, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention has a flash point greater than or equal to 120°C and a vapor pressure at 20°C less than or equal to 0.01 kPa.

[0062] And more preferably, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention has a flash point greater than or equal to 140°C and a vapor pressure at 20°C less than or equal to 0.01 kPa.

[0063] The hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention also preferably has a kinematic viscosity at 40°C less than or equal to 5 cSt, preferably less than or equal to 4 cSt, measured according to standard ASTM D445.

[0064] Preferably, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 200 to 400°C, preferably from 240 to 350°C, more preferably from 250 to 340°C.

[0065] Boiling points can be determined according to ASTM D86. Preferably, the difference between the final boiling point and the initial boiling point is from 10°C to 80°C, preferably from 20°C to 50°C.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises at least 80% by weight of isoparaffins, less than 1% by weight of naphthenes and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, and has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 200 to 400°C.

[0067] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises at least 95% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, and has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 200 to 400°C.

[0068] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises at least 95% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, and has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 250 to 340°C.

[0069] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises at least 95% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, and has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 200 to 400°C, the difference between the final boiling point and the initial boiling point ranging from 10°C to 80°C.

[0070] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises at least 80% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, and has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 250 to 340°C, the difference between the final boiling point and the initial boiling point ranging from 10°C to 80°C.

[0071] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises at least 95% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, and has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 250 to 340°C, the difference between the final boiling point and the initial boiling point ranging from 10°C to 80°C.

[0072] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises at least 95% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, and has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 250 to 340°C, the difference between the final boiling point and the initial boiling point ranging from 20°C to 50°C. According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid: from 20 to 80% by weight of C15 isoparaffins and from 20 to 80% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, said fluid then being able to comprise isoparaffins comprising 14 carbon atoms or less and / or isoparaffins comprising 17 carbon atoms or more;or from 3 to 20% by weight of C15 isoparaffins, from 20 to 70% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, from 5 to 40% by weight of C17 isoparaffins, and from 5 to 40% by weight of C18 isoparaffins, wherein said fluid may optionally comprise isoparaffins having 14 or fewer carbon atoms and / or isoparaffins having 19 or more carbon atoms; or from 5 to 40% by weight of C17 isoparaffins and from 60 to 95% by weight of C18 isoparaffins, wherein said fluid may optionally comprise isoparaffins having 16 or fewer carbon atoms and / or isoparaffins having 19 or more carbon atoms.;

[0073] According to a particular embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid: from 30 to 60% by weight of C15 isoparaffins and from 30 to 60% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, said fluid possibly comprising isoparaffins comprising 14 carbon atoms or less and / or isoparaffins comprising 17 carbon atoms or more; or from 5 to 15% by weight of C15 isoparaffins, from 30 to 60% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins, and from 10 to 30% by weight of C18 isoparaffins, said fluid possibly comprising isoparaffins comprising 14 carbon atoms or less and / or isoparaffins comprising 19 carbon atoms or more;or from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins and from 60 to 90% by weight of C18 isoparaffins, said fluid optionally comprising isoparaffins having 16 or fewer carbon atoms and / or isoparaffins having 19 or more carbon atoms.;

[0074] The expression "CX isoparaffins" designates isoparaffins comprising X carbon atoms. According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises from 5 to 15% by weight of C15 isoparaffins, from 30 to 60% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins, and from 10 to 30% by weight of C18 isoparaffins and has an aromatic content of less than 100 ppm by weight, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 240 to 300°C and comprises from 5 to 15% by weight of C15 isoparaffins, from 30 to 60% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins, and from 10 to 30% by weight of C18 isoparaffins and has an aromatic content of less than 100 ppm by weight, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins and from 60 to 90% by weight of C18 isoparaffins and has an aromatic content of less than 100 ppm by weight, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 260 to 340°C and comprises from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins and from 60 to 90% by weight of C18 isoparaffins and has an aromatic content of less than 100 ppm by weight, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises from 5 to 15% by weight of C15 isoparaffins, from 30 to 60% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins, and from 10 to 30% by weight of C18 isoparaffins and has an aromatic content of less than 100 ppm by weight, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid and said fluid has a biogenic carbon content of at least 95% by weight, relative to the total weight of the carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 240 to 300°C and comprises from 5 to 15% by weight of C15 isoparaffins, from 30 to 60% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins, and from 10 to 30% by weight of C18 isoparaffins and has an aromatic content of less than 100 ppm by weight, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid and said fluid has a biogenic carbon content of at least 95% by weight, relative to the total weight of the carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon fluid.According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins and from 60 to 90% by weight of C18 isoparaffins and has an aromatic content of less than 100 ppm by weight, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid and said fluid has a biogenic carbon content of at least 95% by weight, relative to the total weight of the carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 260 to 340°C and comprises from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins and from 60 to 90% by weight of C18 isoparaffins and has an aromatic content of less than 100 ppm by weight, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid and said fluid has a biogenic carbon content of at least 95% by weight, relative to the total weight of the carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises from 5 to 15% by weight of C15 isoparaffins, from 30 to 60% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins, and from 10 to 30% by weight of C18 isoparaffins and has an aromatic content of less than 50 ppm by weight, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid and said fluid has a biogenic carbon content of at least 90% by weight, relative to the total weight of the carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins and from 60 to 90% by weight of C18 isoparaffins and has an aromatic content of less than 50 ppm by weight, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid and said fluid has a biogenic carbon content of at least 90% by weight, relative to the total weight of the carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0083] According to a particular embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid according to the invention has a flash point ranging from 80°C to 95°C (ASTM D93) and comprises, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid: from 0.5 to 15% by weight of isoparaffins having less than 13 carbon atoms, from 5 to 25% by weight of C13 isoparaffins, and from 5 to 30% by weight of C14 isoparaffins, and from 5 to 30% by weight of C15 isoparaffins, and from 25 to 50% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, and from 10 to 25% by weight of isoparaffins having more than 16 carbon atoms, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid, preferably, said fluid comprises from 75 to 90% by weight of isoparaffins and from 10 to 25% by weight of n-paraffins, relative to the total weight of the fluid.

[0084] The inventors have in fact observed that this hydrocarbon fluid exhibited particularly high performance as a diluent in the context of battery recycling as defined in the invention.

[0085] The hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention has a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to the OECD 301 B standard. Thus, typically, the hydrocarbon fluid according to the invention will be said to be “easily biodegradable” or “readily biodegradable” in English.

[0086] In contrast, a product will be said to be "inherently biodegradable" if it has a biodegradability ranging from 20 to less than 60% at 28 days according to the OECD 301 standard, for example according to the OECD 301 B standard.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention has a biodegradability at 28 days of at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, measured according to the OECD 301 B standard.

[0088] Preferably, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention has a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to the OECD 306 standard. The OECD 306 standard is more restrictive than the OECD 301 B standard.

[0089] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises at least 80% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, and has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 200 to 400°C, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to the OECD 301 B standard.

[0090] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises at least 95% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, and has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 200 to 400°C, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to the OECD 301 B standard.

[0091] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises at least 95% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, and has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 250 to 340°C, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to the OECD 301 B standard. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises at least 95% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, and has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 250 to 340°C, the difference between the final boiling point and the initial boiling point ranging from 20°C to 50°C, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to OECD 301 B standard.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises from 5 to 15% by weight of C15 isoparaffins, from 30 to 60% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins, and from 10 to 30% by weight of C18 isoparaffins and has an aromatic content of less than 100 ppm by weight, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to the OECD 301 B standard.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins and from 60 to 90% by weight of C18 isoparaffins and has an aromatic content of less than 100 ppm by weight, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to the OECD 301 B standard.

[0094] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises at least 95% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 50 ppm by weight of aromatics, and has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 200 to 400°C, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to the OECD 301 B standard.

[0095] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises at least 95% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 50 ppm by weight of aromatics, and has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 250 to 340°C, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to the OECD 301 B standard.

[0096] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises at least 95% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 50 ppm by weight of aromatics, and has an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 250 to 340°C, the difference between the final boiling point and the initial boiling point ranging from 20°C to 50°C, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to the OECD 301 B standard.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises from 5 to 15% by weight of C15 isoparaffins, from 30 to 60% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins, and from 10 to 30% by weight of C18 isoparaffins and has an aromatic content of less than 50 ppm by weight, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to the OECD 301 B standard.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention comprises from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins and from 60 to 90% by weight of C18 isoparaffins and has an aromatic content of less than 50 ppm by weight, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to the OECD 301 B standard.

[0099] Process for obtaining the hydrocarbon fluid:

[0100] The hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention can be obtained in the following way. The hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention is a hydrocarbon cut typically resulting from the conversion of biomass.

[0101] Biomass conversion product means a hydrocarbon fraction produced from raw materials of biological origin. Raw materials of biological origin can be chosen from vegetable oils, animal fats, fish oils and their mixtures.

[0102] Preferably, the hydrocarbon fraction of biological origin is obtained by a process comprising hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) and isomerization (ISO) steps. The hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) step leads to the decomposition of the structures of the biological esters or triglyceride constituents, to the elimination of oxygenated, phosphorus and sulfur compounds and to the hydrogenation of the olefinic bonds. The product resulting from the hydrodeoxygenation reaction is then isomerized. A fractionation step may preferably follow the hydrodeoxygenation and isomerization steps. Advantageously, the fractions of interest are then subjected to hydrotreatment and then distillation steps in order to obtain the specifications of the desired hydrocarbon fluid according to the invention.

[0103] This HDO / ISO process is carried out on a raw biological feedstock, also called biomass or raw material of biological origin, selected from the group consisting of vegetable oils, animal fats, fish oils and their mixtures. Suitable raw materials of biological origin are, for example, rapeseed oil, canola oil, tailoil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, hemp oil, olive oil, linseed oil, mustard oil, palm oil, peanut oil, castor oil, coconut oil, animal fats such as tallow, recycled edible fats, raw materials from genetic engineering, and biological raw materials produced from microorganisms such as algae and bacteria. Condensation products, esters or other derivatives obtained from raw biological materials can also serve as raw materials.

[0104] Preferably, the raw material of biological origin is an ester or a triglyceride derivative. This material is first subjected to a hydrodeoxygenation (H DO) step to decompose the structure of the constituent esters or triglycerides and eliminate the oxygenated, phosphorus and sulfur compounds concomitantly with the hydrogenation of the olefinic bonds. This hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) step of the raw material of biological origin is followed by an isomerization of the product thus obtained leading to the branching of the hydrocarbon chain and an improvement in the properties of the paraffin at low temperatures.

[0105] During the HDO step, hydrogen and the biologically derived raw material are passed through a hydrodeoxygenation catalyst bed simultaneously or countercurrently. During the HDO step, the pressure and temperature are between 20 and 150 bar and between 200 and 500°C respectively. Conventional and known hydrodeoxygenation catalysts are used during this step. Optionally, the biologically derived raw material may be subjected to pre-hydrogenation under mild conditions to avoid secondary reactions of the double bonds before the HDO step. After the hydrodeoxygenation step, the reaction product is subjected to an isomerization step (ISO) where the hydrogen and the product, and possibly a mixture of n-paraffins, are passed through isomerization catalyst beds simultaneously or countercurrently. During the ISO stage, the pressure and temperature are between 20 and 150 bars and between 200 and 500°C respectively.Conventional and known isomerization catalysts are used during this step.

[0106] Additional secondary processes may also be implemented (such as intermediate mixing, trapping or other such processes).

[0107] The product from the HDO / ISO steps can optionally be fractionated to obtain the cuts of interest.

[0108] Various HDO / ISO processes are described in the literature. Application WO2014 / 033762 describes a process comprising a pre-hydrogenation step, a hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) step and an isomerization step carried out countercurrently. Patent application EP1728844 describes a process for producing hydrocarbon compounds from a mixture of compounds of plant and animal origin. This process comprises a step of pretreating the mixture to remove contaminants, such as alkali metal salts, followed by a hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) step and an isomerization step.Patent application EP2084245 describes a process for producing a hydrocarbon mixture that can be used as diesel or in a diesel composition by hydrodeoxygenation of a mixture of biological origin containing fatty acid esters optionally in admixture with free fatty acids, for example vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, canola oil, palm oil or pine oil, followed by hydroisomerization on specific catalysts. Patent application EP2368967 describes such a process and the product obtained by this process.

[0109] Advantageously, the raw material of biological origin contains less than 15 ppm of sulfur, preferably less than 8 ppm, preferably less than 5 ppm and more preferably less than 1 ppm according to the EN ISO 20846 standard. Ideally, the feedstock does not include sulfur as a raw material of biosourced origin.

[0110] The deoxygenated and isomerized feedstock from the HDO / ISO process is then hydrogenated, after possibly being fractionated to obtain a desired boiling range.

[0111] Preferably, the hydrogenation step is a catalytic hydrogenation step at a temperature of 80 to 180°C and at a pressure of 50 to 160 bars of a deoxygenated and isomerized feedstock (or cut) of biological origin.

[0112] The hydrogen used in the hydrogenation unit is typically highly purified hydrogen. Highly purified means hydrogen with a purity of, for example, greater than 99%, although other grades can also be used.

[0113] The hydrogenation step is carried out using catalysts. Typical hydrogenation catalysts can be either bulk or supported and may include the following metals: nickel, platinum, palladium, rhenium, rhodium, nickel tungstate, nickel-molybdenum, molybdenum, cobalt-molybdenum. Supports can be silica, alumina, silica-alumina, or zeolites.

[0114] A preferred catalyst is an alumina-supported nickel-based catalyst with a specific surface area preferably ranging from 100 to 200 m 2 / g of catalyst or a nickel-based bulk catalyst. Hydrogenation conditions are typically as follows:

[0115] Pressure: 50 to 160 bars, preferably 80 to 150 bars and more preferably 90 to 120 bars;

[0116] - Temperature: 80 to 180°C, preferably 120 to 160°C and more preferably 150 to 160°C;

[0117] - Hourly volumetric speed (WH): 0.2 to 5 hr-1, preferably 0.4 to 3 hr-1 and more preferably 0.5 to 0.8 hr-1;

[0118] - Hydrogen treatment rate: adapted to the conditions mentioned above and up to 200 Nm3 / tonne of feedstock to be treated. The temperature in the reactors is typically between 150 and 160°C with a pressure of approximately 100 bars while the hourly volumetric velocity is approximately 0.6 hr- 1 with a treatment rate adapted according to the quality of the feedstock to be treated and the parameters of the first hydrogenation reactor.

[0119] Hydrogenation can take place in one or more reactors in series. Reactors may include one or more catalyst beds. Catalyst beds are usually fixed catalyst beds.

[0120] The hydrogenation process preferably comprises two or three reactors, preferably three reactors and is more preferably carried out in three reactors in series.

[0121] The first reactor allows the trapping of sulfur compounds and the hydrogenation of essentially all unsaturated compounds and up to about 90% by weight of aromatic compounds. The product from the first reactor contains substantially no sulfur compounds. In the second stage, i.e. in the second reactor, the hydrogenation of aromatics continues and up to 99% by weight of the aromatics are thereby hydrogenated.

[0122] The third stage in the third reactor is a finishing stage allowing aromatic contents to be obtained below 100 ppm, preferably below 50 ppm, preferably below 20 ppm.

[0123] It is possible to use a reactor which has two or three or more catalytic beds. The catalysts may be present in varying or essentially equal amounts in each reactor; for three reactors, the amounts by weight may for example be 0.05-0.5 / 0.10-0.70 / 0.25-0.85, preferably 0.07-0.25 / 0.15-0.35 / 0.4-0.78 and more preferably 0.10-0.20 / 0.20-0.32 / 0.48-0.70.

[0124] It is also possible to use one or two hydrogenation reactors instead of three.

[0125] It is also possible for the first reactor to be composed of twin reactors operated alternately. This mode of operation allows in particular for easier loading and unloading of the catalysts: when the first reactor includes the saturated catalyst first (substantially all the sulfur is trapped on and / or in the catalyst) it must be changed frequently.

[0126] A single reactor can also be used in which two, three or more catalytic beds are installed.

[0127] It may be necessary to insert quench boxes (in the English sense of "reaction smothering") in the recycle system or between reactors to cool the effluents from one reactor to another or from one catalytic bed to another in order to control the temperatures and hydrothermal balance of each reaction. In a preferred embodiment, there are no cooling or smothering intermediates. In one embodiment, the product from the process and / or the separated gases are at least partially recycled into the feed system of the hydrogenation reactors. This dilution helps to maintain the exothermicity of the reaction within controlled limits, particularly in the first stage. Recycling also allows for heat exchange before the reaction and also better temperature control.

[0128] The effluent from the hydrogenation unit mainly contains the hydrogenated product and hydrogen. Flash separators are used to separate the effluents into the gas phase, mainly the residual hydrogen, and the liquid phase, mainly the hydrogenated hydrocarbon cuts. The process can be carried out using three flash separators: one at high pressure, one at intermediate pressure, and one at low pressure very close to atmospheric pressure.

[0129] The hydrogen gas that is collected at the top of the flash separators can be recycled into the hydrogenation unit feed system or at different levels in the hydrogenation units between the reactors.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the final product is separated at atmospheric pressure. It then feeds directly into a vacuum fractionation unit. Preferably, the fractionation will be carried out at a pressure between 10 and 50 mbar and more preferably at around 30 mbar.

[0131] Fractionation can be carried out in such a way that it is possible to simultaneously remove various hydrocarbon fluids from the fractionation column and their boiling temperature can be predetermined.

[0132] By adapting the feedstock through its initial and final boiling points, the hydrogenation reactors, separators and fractionation unit can be directly connected without the need for intermediate tanks. This integration of hydrogenation and fractionation allows for optimized thermal integration associated with a reduction in the number of devices and energy savings.

[0133] Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, the hydrocarbon fluid used in the invention is obtained by a process comprising a step of catalytic hydrogenation of a biomass which has been hydrodeoxygenated and hydroisomerized, said hydrogenation step being carried out at a temperature ranging from 80 to 180°C and at a pressure of 50 to 160 bars, preferably at a temperature ranging from 120 to 160°C and at a pressure ranging from 80 to 150 bars, more preferably at a temperature ranging from 150 to 160°C and at a pressure ranging from 90 to 120 bars.

[0134] According to a particular embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid used in the invention is obtained by a process comprising: a hydrodeoxygenation step followed by a hydroisomerization step of a biomass in order to obtain a hydrodeoxygenated and hydroisomerized biomass, a catalytic hydrogenation step of the hydrodeoxygenated and hydroisomerized biomass, said hydrogenation step being carried out at a temperature ranging from 80 to 180°C and at a pressure of 50 to 160 bars, preferably at a temperature ranging from 120 to 160°C and at a pressure ranging from 80 to 150 bars, more preferably at a temperature ranging from 150 to 160°C and at a pressure ranging from 90 to 120 bars, the biomass preferably being chosen from vegetable oils, animal fats, fish oils and mixtures thereof.

[0135] The hydrocarbon fluid used according to the invention is ideally derived from the processing of raw materials of biological origin. The term "biogenic carbon" or "bio-carbon" indicates that the carbon is of natural origin and comes from a biomaterial, as indicated below. Bio-carbon content, biogenic carbon content and biomaterial content are expressions indicating the same value. A material of renewable origin or biomaterial is an organic material in which the carbon comes from CO2 recently fixed (on a human scale) by photosynthesis from the atmosphere. A biomaterial (100% naturally occurring carbon) has an isotopic ratio 14 C / 12 C greater than 10' 12 , typically about 1.2 x 10 -12 , while a fossil material has a zero ratio. Indeed, the 14The isotopic C formed in the atmosphere is then integrated by photosynthesis, on a time scale of a few decades at most. The half-life of 14 It is 5730 years. Thus, the materials resulting from photosynthesis, namely plants in general, necessarily have a maximum isotope content 14 C.

[0136] Additives

[0137] According to one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid is mixed with at least one additive before being used as a diluent.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the diluent used according to the invention comprises the hydrocarbon fluid defined in the present invention and at least one additive, preferably at least one antioxidant additive. The antioxidant additive generally makes it possible to delay the degradation of the composition in service. This degradation can in particular result in the formation of deposits, the presence of sludge or an increase in the viscosity of the composition.

[0139] Antioxidant additives act in particular as radical inhibitors or hydroperoxide destroyers. Among the commonly used antioxidant additives, mention may be made of phenolic antioxidant additives, amine antioxidant additives, and phosphosulfur antioxidant additives. Some of these antioxidant additives, for example phosphosulfur antioxidant additives, may be ash-generating. Phenolic antioxidant additives may be ash-free or in the form of neutral or basic metal salts. The antioxidant additives may in particular be chosen from sterically hindered phenols, sterically hindered phenol esters, and sterically hindered phenols comprising a thioether bridge, diphenylamines, diphenylamines substituted by at least one C1-C12 alkyl group, and a mixture thereof.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the sterically hindered phenols are chosen from compounds comprising a phenol group of which at least one vicinal carbon of the carbon carrying the alcohol function is substituted by at least one C1-C10 alkyl group, preferably a C1-C6 alkyl group, preferably a C4 alkyl group, preferably by the tert-butyl group.

[0141] Amino compounds are another class of antioxidant additives that can be used, optionally in combination with phenolic antioxidant additives. Examples of amine compounds are aromatic amines, for example aromatic amines of formula NR4R5R6 in which R4 represents an aliphatic group or an aromatic group, optionally substituted, R5 represents an aromatic group, optionally substituted, R6 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group or a group of formula R7S(O)zR8 in which R7 represents an alkylene group or an alkenylene group, R8 represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group or an aryl group and z represents 0, 1 or 2.

[0142] Sulfurized alkyl phenols or their alkali and alkaline earth metal salts can also be used as antioxidant additives.

[0143] Another class of antioxidant additives is copper compounds, e.g. copper thio- or dithio-phosphates, copper salts of carboxylic acids, dithiocarbamates, sulphonates, phenates, copper acetylacetonates. Copper I and II salts, succinic acid or anhydride salts can also be used.

[0144] If they are implemented in the diluent, the antioxidant(s) preferably represent from 0.01 to 3% by weight of the weight of the composition, preferably from 0.05 to 2% by weight of the weight of the diluent.

[0145] Use as a diluent:

[0146] The hydrocarbon fluid, optionally in a mixture with one or more additives, is used as a diluent for the liquid-liquid extraction of metals. In particular, the hydrocarbon fluid defined in the invention can be used as a diluent in a hydrometallurgical process comprising at least one step of liquid-liquid extraction of metals.

[0147] The present invention also relates to a process for the liquid-liquid extraction of metals comprising at least one step of bringing a solution of metals M into contact with an extraction solvent, said extraction solvent comprising at least one diluent and at least one extractant, said diluent being a hydrocarbon fluid as defined in the present invention.

[0148] Typically, within the scope of the present invention, the liquid-liquid extraction of metals comprises a step of bringing a solution of metals M into contact with an extraction solvent comprising an extractant and a diluent, said diluent being the hydrocarbon fluid defined in the present invention.

[0149] In the context of the present invention, the metal solution M typically comprises at least two different metals and the liquid-liquid extraction of metals will make it possible to recover at least one metal from the metal solution M, preferably at least two metals separately. Said metals may for example be chosen from nickel, copper, cadmium, cobalt, manganese, lithium, zinc, their mixtures including alloys of these metals.

[0150] The metals in solution M may be found in the form of metal oxide and / or metal hydroxide.

[0151] The extractant can be chosen by a person skilled in the art depending on the metals present in the metal solution M.

[0152] Typically, the extractant will be miscible with the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the extractant is chosen from oximes comprising one or two alkyl groups and phosphorus acids optionally comprising one or more alkyl groups, the alkyls preferably having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably from 4 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably from ketoximes having an alkyl group, phosphinite acids optionally comprising one or more

[0154] alkyl groups, the alkyls preferably having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably from 4 to 18 carbon atoms.

[0155] As non-limiting examples, extractants include extractants from the Cyanex® range from Solvay or extractants from the LIX® range from BASF.

[0156] The metal solution M can, for example, come from a step of dissolving metals from electric batteries, in particular from electric battery electrodes.

[0157] Hydrometallurgic process for recycling battery(ies)

[0158] The present invention also relates to a hydrometallurgical process for recycling one or more batteries, said process comprising: a step of dissolving the metals present in at least one battery, in particular in the electrodes of said at least one battery, making it possible to obtain a solution of metals M, optionally a clarification step carried out on said solution of metals M making it possible to eliminate the residues not dissolved in the solution of metals, a step of liquid-liquid extraction of metals comprising at least one step of bringing the solution of metals M, optionally clarified, into contact with an extraction solvent, said extraction solvent comprising at least one diluent and at least one extractant, said diluent being a hydrocarbon fluid comprising at least 75% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid,said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to OECD standard 301 B.,

[0159] Preferably, the method is carried out on lithium-ion batteries.

[0160] The process will typically recover and recycle metals present in batteries, particularly in battery electrodes.

[0161] Solution stage

[0162] In the context of the present invention, the parts to be recycled, in particular the battery electrodes, are typically put into solution, preferably by a leaching process.

[0163] A solution comprising metals is thus obtained, the metal solution M will generally comprise at least two metals of different nature. The hydrometallurgical process will then make it possible to recover said at least two metals of different nature separately.

[0164] The metals present in the metal solution M can for example be chosen from nickel, copper, cadmium, cobalt, manganese, lithium, zinc, their mixtures including alloys of these metals.

[0165] For this dissolution step, a solution L will be chosen to dissolve the metals present, in particular the metals to be recovered. The solution L for dissolution may, for example, be chosen from acids, bases, oxidants or reducers.

[0166] The metal solution M may thus include metals in the form of oxide or hydroxide.

[0167] Clarification stage

[0168] The hydrometallurgical process according to the invention may optionally include a clarification step making it possible to eliminate solid residues which may be present in the solution of metals M.

[0169] This possible clarification step can possibly be implemented by decantation and / or centrifugation and / or filtration.

[0170] Liquid-liquid extraction stage

[0171] The hydrometallurgical process according to the invention comprises a step of liquid-liquid extraction of metals comprising at least one step of bringing the solution of metals M into contact, after a possible clarification step, with an extraction solvent.

[0172] The extraction solvent comprises at least one diluent and at least one extractant.

[0173] Said diluent is the hydrocarbon fluid defined in the present invention.

[0174] The extractant can be chosen by a person skilled in the art depending on the metals present in the metal solution M.

[0175] Typically, the extractant will be miscible with the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the extractant is chosen from oximes comprising one or two alkyl groups and phosphorus acids optionally comprising one or more alkyl groups, the alkyls preferably having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably from 4 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably from ketoximes having an alkyl group, phosphinite acids optionally comprising one or more alkyl groups, the alkyls preferably having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably from 4 to 18 carbon atoms. As non-limiting examples, among the extractants, mention may be made of the extractants from the Cyanex® range from Solvay or the extractants from the LIX® range from BASF.

[0177] The method according to the invention may comprise at least one subsequent step of recovering at least one metal, preferably at least two metals of different nature.

[0178] Preferably, said subsequent recovery step is followed by a step of purifying said recovered metal or metals.

[0179] EXAMPLES In the remainder of this description, examples are given for the purpose of illustrating the present invention and are not intended in any way to limit its scope.

[0180] Three hydrocarbon fluids are prepared according to a process as described in the present invention, by HDO / ISO of a biomass followed by a hydrogenation step.

[0181] Table 1 lists the physicochemical properties of hydrocarbon fluids.

[0182] [Table 1]

[0183] The following standards and methods were used to measure the above properties:

[0184] - flash point: EN ISO 2719, - density at 15°C: EN ISO 1185, - pour point: EN ISO 3016,

[0185] - viscosity at 40°C: EN ISO 3104,

[0186] - Boiling point: ASTM D86,

[0187] - biodegradability: OECD 301 B method, - pour point: ASTM D5950.

[0188] The hydrocarbon fluid according to the invention thus has excellent properties, particularly in terms of flash point, density, evaporation and conductivity, making it possible to obtain excellent properties when it is used as a diluent in an extraction solvent comprising an extractant. The extraction solvent used in the invention thus makes it possible to selectively recover and recover the metals present in the batteries during battery recycling.

Claims

CLAIMS Use of a hydrocarbon fluid as a diluent for the liquid-liquid extraction of metals, said hydrocarbon fluid comprising at least 75% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to OECD 301 B. Use according to claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon fluid comprises relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid: at least 80% by weight of isoparaffins, preferably at least 90% by weight, more preferably at least 95% by weight, and / or at most 20% by weight of normal paraffins, preferably at most 10% by weight, more preferably at most 5% by weight, and / or at most 1% by weight of naphthenes, and / or less than 50 ppm by weight of aromatics.Use according to claim 1 or 2, in which the hydrocarbon fluid has: a flash point greater than or equal to 80°C, preferably greater than or equal to 110°C, preferably greater than or equal to 120°C, or even greater than or equal to 140°C according to the ASTM D93 standard, and / or a kinematic viscosity at 40°C less than or equal to 5 cSt, preferably less than or equal to 4 cSt, and / or a biogenic carbon content of at least 90% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 97% by weight, relative to the total weight of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon fluid.Use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hydrocarbon fluid has: an initial boiling point and a final boiling point in the range from 200 to 400°C, preferably from 240 to 350°C, more preferably from 250 to 340°C, and / or a difference between the final boiling point and the initial boiling point ranging from 10°C to 80°C, preferably from 20°C to 50°C. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hydrocarbon fluid comprises, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid: from 30 to 60% by weight of C15 isoparaffins and from 30 to 60% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, or from 5 to 15% by weight of C15 isoparaffins, from 30 to 60% by weight of C16 isoparaffins, from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins, and from 10 to 30% by weight of C18 isoparaffins, or from 10 to 30% by weight of C17 isoparaffins and from 60 to 90% by weight of C18 isoparaffins. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the hydrocarbon fluid is used in a mixture with from 0.01 to 5% by weight of one or more antioxidant additives, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid and the antioxidant additive(s).Use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, as a diluent in a hydrometallurgical process comprising at least one liquid-liquid extraction of metals using an extraction solution comprising said diluent and at least one extractant. Use according to claim 7, in which the metals are derived from the recycling of one or more batteries. Process for the liquid-liquid extraction of metals comprising at least one step of bringing a solution of metals M into contact with an extraction solvent, said extraction solvent comprising at least one diluent and at least one extractant, said diluent being a hydrocarbon fluid comprising at least 75% by weight of isoparaffins and less than 100 ppm by weight of aromatics, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon fluid, said hydrocarbon fluid having a biodegradability of at least 60% at 28 days, measured according to the OECD 301 B standard.Hydrometallurgical process for recycling batteries, said process comprising: a step of dissolving the metals present in at least one battery, in particular in the electrodes of said at least one battery, making it possible to obtain a solution of metals M,. optionally a clarification step carried out on said solution of metals M making it possible to eliminate the residues not dissolved in the solution of metals, a liquid-liquid extraction process for metals as defined in claim 9. Liquid-liquid extraction process for metals according to claim 9 or hydrometallurgical process for recycling batteries according to claim 10, in which the hydrocarbon fluid is as defined in any one of claims 2 to 5.

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