Nitration: a disruption for solvent extraction operations
In solvent extraction, nitration is a complex phenomenon that plagues circuits. Nitration is a chemical reaction that occurs when nitronium ions (NO₂⁺) are present in SX feeds. These ions react with extractants, preventing the stripping and removal of copper ions from the electrolyte solution.
Syensqo’s ACORGA® NR Series product range is specifically designed to resist nitration, protecting solvent extractants from degradation under nitrating conditions to promote efficient copper transfer.
Why choose ACORGA® NR Series?
Nitration leads to many challenges, including the loss of copper transfer capacity, increased phase disengagement times, reduced interfacial tension and increased phase entrainment. Nitration even leads to higher extractant consumption and accelerated hydrolytic degradation.
ACORGA® NR series copper extractants reduce extractant consumption and boost operational reliability when nitrating conditions are present. Benefits include:
- Enhanced copper transfer: Maintain copper transfer capacity by preventing nitration-induced stabilization of copper complexes
- Improved phase separation: Reduce phase disengagement times and minimize entrainment between phases
- Stability and longevity: Protect against hydrolytic degradation, extending the lifespan of extractants
- Cost efficiency: Reduce extractant replacement costs by minimizing degradation
