A new solvent extraction method has been developed for the extraction of metal
and organic ions from very dilute aqueous solutions. The new method, which has
been named Predispersed Solvent Extraction (POSE), is based on the principle that
1 there is no need to comminute both phases. All that is necessary is to comminute the
solvent phase prior to contacting it with the feed. This is done by converting the
solvent into aphrons, which are micron-sized globules encapsulated in a soapy film.
Since the aphrons are so small, it takes a long time for the solvent to rise to the
surface under the influence of gravity alone. Therefore, the separation is expedited
by piggy-back flotation of the aphrons on specially prepared gas bubbles, which are
somewhat larger than aphrons and are called colloidal gas aphrons (CGA).
Copper, uranium and chromium ions, and alizarin yellow were extracted from
very dilute aqueous solutions using PDSE. Tests were performed in a vertical glass
column in both batch and continuous modes, and in a continuous horizontal trough.
The new solvent extraction procedure worked very efficiently and very quickly under
laboratory conditions. Higher than 99% extraction was achieved in many of the tests
performed.
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