Predict organic degradationbefore it affects your operation
Interfacial Tension (IFT) is the earliest indicator of problems in your SX circuit. Detect contaminants and degradation 2-3 weeks before they manifest in emulsions, entrainment and losses.
Interfacial tension is your organic health indicator
IFT directly correlates with phase separation performance. Tracking it lets you optimize treatment timing, extend extractant life, and maintain efficient operations.
Phase separation efficiency
Optimal IFT ensures clean phase separation in settlers, maximizing plant capacity.
Extractant preservation
Maintaining healthy IFT levels protects your organic inventory—worth $50K-200K/year.
Operational continuity
Proactive IFT monitoring helps you plan treatments and avoid unscheduled interventions.
Interfacial Tension Scale
What affects IFT?
Surface-active compounds from oxidative degradation, silica, clays and organic contaminants influence interfacial tension levels.
Professional IFT analysis for optimized organic management
Expert sampling, certified lab analysis, and actionable recommendations—everything you need to optimize treatment timing and extend extractant life.
Early detection
Identify degradation 2-3 weeks before operational symptoms appear.
Reduced losses
Optimize treatment timing to minimize entrainment and extractant losses.
Extended life
Maintaining optimal IFT significantly extends extractant life.
IFT measurement and analysis process
A comprehensive service combining professional sampling, certified laboratory analysis and actionable recommendations for your operation.
Professional Sampling
We take representative samples of your organic at critical points in the SX circuit under standardized protocols.
Certified Measurement
Interfacial tension analysis using pendant drop method in laboratory with calibrated equipment.
Trend Analysis
We compare results with historical data to identify degradation patterns and predict future behavior.
Recommendations
We deliver specific recommendations: clay dosage, optimal treatment timing, or preventive actions.
Industry applications
IFT monitoring is critical for any operation using solvent extraction.
Copper SX/EW
Solvent extraction circuits where organic quality directly impacts recovery and costs.
Zinc SX
Zinc purification processes where phase separation is critical for product quality.
Lithium SX
Selective lithium extraction from brines where organic purity determines efficiency.
IFT is part of your organic control strategy
IFT monitoring integrates with other Tecionic services for complete organic management.
Integrated Control Flow
IFT + TSF = Informed decisions
Get professional IFT analysis
Expert measurement and actionable insights to optimize your organic inventory and treatment timing.
Results in 48 hours. No commitment.