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Conclusions

Conclusions

The method of using dimensionless numbers to scale-up mixer-settler solvent extraction has been demonstrated. The scale-up is not only accurate, but also simple to do when all of the data is available. Lightnin has demonstrated this from a 6” to a 73” R320 for Mantos Blancos in 1995. This technique can be used to create your own head-flow and power-flow plots. This technique makes it easier to see if just how far you can push a plant. It also demonstrates how the efficiency of an existing plant can be improved to lower costly entrainment and produce cleaner metals. The methodology has also been laid forth to show how super efficient plants can be built in the future.

If you think that your SX plant is not running at your desired conditions, Post Mixing can audit your system and determine if there are hidden problems that can easily be solved. Many improvements can be made without modifying the impellers.  We can also make suggestions on what needs to be done to improve efficiency, or increase production rate.

If you are also interested in seeing how CFD can assist in the design of the SX-pumpers, pump-box, and piping, please see our next article on this subject, "Using CFD to determine the characteristics of SX-pumpers and assist in their optimization".

References

  1. J.B. Lott, G.C.I. Warwick, and J.B. Scuffham, “The Design of Large Scale Mixer Settlers,” (Society of Mining Engineers of A.I.M.E., New York, Reprint Number 71-B-51, 1971).
  2. M.A. Giralico, T.A. Post, and M.J. Preston, “Improve The Performance Of Your Copper Solvent Extraction Process By Optimizing The Design And Operation Of Your Pumper And Auxiliary Impellers,” (Paper presented at the SME Annual Meeting, Littleton, CO, Paper 95-189, March 1995), 11 pages.
  3. T.A. Post, M.J. Preston, and M.A. Giralico, “Copper Solvent Extraction Process: Optimization Of The Design And Operation Of Pumper- And Auxiliary Impellers,” Value Adding Through Solvent Extraction, Vol. 1, ed. D.C. Shallcross, R. Paimin, and L.M. Prvcic (Melbourne, Australia: ISEC ’96, The University of Melbourne, 1996), 801-806
  4. T.A. Post, M.A. Giralico, M.C. Greaves, and G.M. Fraser, “Operational Results From Optimized LIGHTNIN SX Pumper And Auxiliary Mixer Designs,” (Paper presented at Randol at Vancouver ’96, 2nd Annual Copper Hydromet Roundtable, Vancouver, BC, Canada, November 1996), 295-299
  5. M.A. Giralico, T.A. Post, and C. Sanchez, “Mixing Technologies Influence SX-EW Mixer Settler Systems: Past, Present And Future,” (Paper presented at Randol at Vancouver ’97, Copper Hydromet Roundtable ‘97, Vancouver, BC, Canada, November 1997), 275-282
  6. C. G. Anderson et al., “Selection and sizing of copper solvent extraction and electrowinning equipment and circuits,” Mineral Processing Plant Design, Practice, and Control Proceedings, Vol. 2, ed. A.L. Mular, D.N. Halbe, and D.J. Barratt (Littleton, CO: Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc. (SME), 2002), 1709-1744
  7. Mike Nees, private communication with author, Bechtel, Denver CO, 18 August, 1995.
  8. B. Nyman, R. Kuusisto, and Harri Natunen, “The First Commercial Outokumpu VSF Solvent Extraction Application At Comapnia Minera Zaldivar Copper Mine In Chile,” (Paper presented at Randol at Vancouver ’95, 1st Randol Copper Hydromet Roundtable, Vancouver, BC, Canada, October 1995), 153-160
  9. R.J. Weetman and J.Y. Oldshue, “Power, Flow and Shear Characteristics of Mixing Impellers,” (Paper presented at the 6th European Conference on Mixing, Pavia, Italy, Organized by AIDIC - BHRA, May 1988), 43-50.
  10. Val Ness, “Basic Principles, Processes, Chemistry And Hardware For Copper SX-EW,” (Paper presented at Randol Copper Hydromet Roundtable 2000, Tucson, AZ, September 2000), 227-232
  11. Bror G. Nyman et al., “Method For Dispersing Two Phases In Liquid-Liquid Extraction”, U.S. Patent 4,628,391, December 9, 1986
  12. Petri Taipale et al., “Implementation of Outokumpu’s VSF (Vertical Smooth Flow) Cu Solvent Extraction Plant Project at Codelco’s Radomiro Tomic Mine, Chile,” (Paper presented at 6th Annual Randol at Vancouver ’97, Copper Hydromet Roundtable ‘97, Vancouver, BC, Canada, November 1997), 265-268
  13. Bror Nyman et al., “The Outokumpu Copper Solvent Extraction Process – An Approach Based On Interactions Between Running Parameters And Mixer-Settler Design Introduced At Radomiro Tomic VSF SX Plant In Chile,” (Paper presented at Alta 1998 Copper Hydrometallurgy Forum, Queensland, Australia: Alta Metallurgical Services, October, 1998), 28 pages
  14. Bror Nyman et al., “VSF Technology – An High Performance Approach Introduced at Large Copper SX Plants,” (Paper presented at Randol at Vancouver ’98, Copper Hydromet Roundtable ‘98, Vancouver, BC, Canada, November 1998), 151-157
  15. Bror Nyman et al., “Outokumpu’s Compact SX Technology for Copper,” (Paper presented at Randol Copper Hydromet Roundtable 2000, Tucson, AZ, September 2000), 219-224
  16. Title article, “Full-scale Testing Proves Lab Estimates of LIGHTNIN SX System Performance,” Lightnin Extraction News, June 1995, Vol 1, No.2. On the web at http://www.lightnin-mixers.com/new/solvent_ext.asp
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