Copper Extraction Scrubbing Unit for Molybdenum Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current copper extraction processes face issues with molybdenum impurities being extracted into the organic phase, leading to reduced copper extraction capacity and increased viscosity, which complicates the stripping process and incurs significant costs due to separate equipment requirements.
Innovation Solution
The integration of removal units within the organic extraction solution storage tank allows for the scrubbing of the copper-containing organic solution with an aqueous solution, regulating its pH to separate molybdenum and other impurities before the copper stripping stage, thereby simplifying the process and reducing investment costs by eliminating the need for separate stripping equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If molybdenum is extracted into the organic phase during copper extraction, then copper extraction capacity is improved, but molybdenum impurities accumulate and reduce extraction capacity over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a scrubbing stage before the main extraction process. In this preliminary step, the organic phase is treated with an aqueous scrubbing solution to remove molybdenum impurities before copper extraction begins, preventing impurity accumulation that would otherwise reduce extraction capacity over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the extraction process into distinct stages: a preliminary scrubbing stage to remove molybdenum impurities, followed by the main copper extraction stage. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, with the scrubbing stage using specific pH conditions to remove impurities while the extraction stage focuses on copper recovery.
2Quantity of substance
If molybdenum concentration in organic phase increases, then impurity removal becomes more critical, but viscosity increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
By applying preliminary scrubbing action before main extraction, the patent prevents molybdenum concentration from building up in the organic phase. This proactive removal maintains lower viscosity levels throughout the process, avoiding the energy-intensive conditions that would result from high impurity concentrations.
3Reliability
If separate stripping equipment is used to remove molybdenum, then impurity removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the molybdenum removal function with the existing extraction infrastructure by using a scrubbing column that can be integrated into the current process flow. Rather than adding completely separate stripping equipment, the scrubbing unit is designed to work within the existing system architecture, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective impurity removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The scrubbing column is designed as a multi-functional unit that can handle both molybdenum removal and serve as part of the overall extraction system. This universal design allows the same equipment to perform multiple functions in the process flow, eliminating the need for dedicated separate stripping equipment and reducing investment costs.
4Reliability
If scrubbing is performed before extraction, then molybdenum removal is improved, but process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs molybdenum removal as a preliminary action in a dedicated scrubbing stage before the main extraction process. By completing impurity removal first, the subsequent extraction stage can proceed more efficiently without being hindered by impurity interference, potentially reducing the total time required for high-quality copper extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The process is segmented into distinct time-bound stages: a preliminary scrubbing phase for impurity removal, followed by the main extraction phase. This time segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its specific function, ensuring that molybdenum removal is completed efficiently before copper extraction begins, minimizing overall process time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively removes molybdenum and other impurities from the organic solution, improving copper extraction efficiency, reducing viscosity, and minimizing energy consumption, while also allowing for the reuse of solutions to enhance impurity removal kinetics.
Implementation Method 1
mixing equipment for mixing aqueous solution and extraction solution into each other in a dispersion
Implementation Method 2
liquid-liquid extraction by means of organic extraction solution, in which copper is transferred to the organic phase, leaving most of the impurities in the aqueous solution
Implementation Method 3
scrubbing of the copper-containing organic solution with an aqueous solution, regulating its pH to separate molybdenum and other impurities
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing molybdenum and other possible impurities from an organic copper-containing extraction solution in connection with the liquid- liquid extraction related to copper recovery. The removal of impurities occurs in one or several removal units built into the organic extraction solution storage tank.