LOW VISCOSITY COPPER SOLVENT EXTRACTION REAGENT FORMULATIONS

摘要

A low viscosity water insoluble extraction reagent composition according to the invention is comprised of: (a) an extractant selected from the group consisting of an aldoxime, a ketoxime, or a combination thereof; (b) an equilibrium modifier having a Brookdield viscosity of equal to or less than about 5 centapoise at 25~C and a flash point equal to or greater than about 141~F wherein the molar ratio of modifier to extractant is from about 0.05 t o about 2.0 so as to provide a net copper transfer greater than that achieved in the absence of modifier. Such low viscosity extractants afford higher recoveries of copper, permit reduced equipment size such as smaller mixers a nd settlers and the use of reduced amounts of less overall organic inventory.