Case Studies/PRJ-001
[ Case Study ]

USD $3.1M

Annual Savings

Organic Phase Treatment in SX Plant

52%
Entrainment Reduction
92%
Overall Efficiency
18
Months Operation
[01]

Service

Filtration, centrifugation and clay treatment of organic phase

[02]

Industry

Solvent Extraction (SX)

[03]

Objective

Eliminate entrainment, stabilize organic phase and improve efficiency

Analysis

The Challenge

During 2023 and 2024, the SX plant faced persistent problems with the physical-chemical quality of the organic

PROB-01Critical

Organic Degradation

Accumulation of contaminants affecting phase separation

PST: 444 sec
PROB-02High

Excessive Entrainment

Significant copper losses in raffinate due to organic entrainment

IFT: 20.4 d/cm
PROB-03Impactful

Reduced Efficiency

Direct impact on copper recovery and operational costs

Eff: <85%
Implementation

The Solution

Comprehensive treatment system focused on three main stages

01

Organic Filtration

Removal of fine solids and particles that degrade the organic phase using specialized filters.

Cartridge filters
5-10 microns
Continuous flow
02

Clay Treatment

Adsorption of polar and degraded compounds using activated clay in contact columns.

Activated clay
Optimal contact time
In-situ regeneration
03

Final Centrifugation

Separation of sludge and residual emulsions to deliver high-quality organic.

Disc centrifuge
High speed
Continuous monitoring
Results

Success Metrics

Before vs after treatment comparison

[ Initial State ]
PST (Phase Separation Time)444 sec
IFT (Interfacial Tension)20.4 d/cm
Overall Efficiency84 %
Organic EntrainmentHigh
[ Final State ]
PST (Phase Separation Time)
153 sec-66%
IFT (Interfacial Tension)
23.7 d/cm+16%
Overall Efficiency
92 %+8%
Organic Entrainment
52% reduction
[ Economic Impact ]
$3.1M USD

Annual Savings

Summary

Key Achievements

66%
PST Reduction
16%
IFT Improvement
52%
Less Entrainment
92%
Efficiency
Next step

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