Process for separating contaminants from organic phases during hydrometallurgical extraction of metals

摘要

A method of removing aqueous phase residues and other contaminants from the organic phase used in hydrometallurgical extraction processes comprises passing the organic phase through a column or other vessel in which a porous bed of elements of suitable size and shape to permit flow therethrough is provided. The material making up the bed elements may be polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, teflon, stainless steel, plastics in general and their derivatives, or combinations thereof. The aqueous phase coalesces on the surfaces of the materials making up the bed and forms droplets which drop to the bottom of the column or vessel which are thereafter removed.