Interlaced series parallel configuration for metal solvent extraction plants

摘要

An interlaced series parallel configuration for the extraction of metal values from an metal value containing aqueous is a special series parallel configuration wherein the stripped organic is first contacted in a second extraction stage with the partially copper depleted aqueous stream exiting from a first extraction stage. This partially loaded organic then advances to a parallel extraction stage where it is contacted with a fresh volume of PLS and extracts additional copper. The organic then advances to the first extraction stage where it contacts a second stream of PLS. This approach results in an overall higher recovery of copper than in the conventional modified series parallel configuration. An increase of 4% overall recovery of copper is achieved relative to that realized with the conventional series parallel configuration.