Separation of Indium and Iron from Dilute Sulphate Solutions with a Phosphorous Mixer Extractant

In the conventional process l], indium couldbe seParated from some bi-valence metals whileimpurity Fe' tha was most difficult to be sepa-rated was co-extfacted. When the extraCtion ofIn3 from lowly acidic solotions with D2EHPAas eXtfactani was carried ollt, the organic phasewas easily emulsified. FUrthermore, sttippingwas carried out difficultly and a high concelltfa-tion of striPping agent was required. IInPurityFe3 co-extracted with In3 into the organic phasecould not be strtheed …

Separation of Indium and Iron from Dilute Sulphate Solutions with a Phosphorous Mixer Extractant

The phosphorous mixer indoduced could replace D2EHPA as an extractant applied in the extraction of indium. The extraction pfoperties of the phosphorous mixer were studied. The influences of extractant concentration, organic/ aqueous (O/A) phase ratio, equilibrium time, and pH value of the feed solutions on the extraction of indium and separ- ation of indium-iron were investigated experimentally. Under the best operating conditions, more than 98% of indium was extracted through two-stage counter-current extraction. The optimizing condition of indium extraction is determined as follows: O/A = 1: (9-12) in volume ratio; 30% PPD in sulphonated kerosene; pH of the feed, about 0.6; equilibrium time, 3-5 min. The extractant has good reusing and anti-aging properties.