Solvent extraction of copper from ammonia solutions by sterically hindered .BETA.-diketone and LIX 84

The extraction performance of copper with a sterically hindered β-diketone and LIX 84 from Cu2+-NH3-Cl--H2O ammonia solutions was studied.The effects of extractant concentration,relative content of β-diketone and LIX 84 in organic phase,pH of aqueous phase,total ammonia concentration and phase ratio on copper extraction were tested.The results indicate that the optimum extraction conditions are as follows: the relative content of β-diketone and LIX 84 is 1:1,the concentration of extractant is 20%,the concentration of copper and total ammonia is 3 g/L and 3 mol/L,respectively,pH of aqueous phase is 8.95,phase ratio is 1:1,and the stripping concentration of sulphuric acid is 90 g/L.Under the optimum extraction condition,the extraction rate and stripping efficiency are nearly 100% and 97%,respectively,and the co-extraction ammonia is only 36.1 mg/L.