Investigation on the Zn separation behavior from solution contain Mg from a leaching solution of zinc filter cake by Solvent Extraction

The solvent extraction process of metals from aqueous solution containing impurities has been the subjects of numerous studies. In the present work, separation of zinc from the solution of filter-cake leaching unit in the presence of Mg impurity was investigated using the D2-ethyl hexyl phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) extractant diluted in kerosene. Different experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of main parameters on recovery and separation of zinc from the sulphate solution. Parameters affecting the extraction process such as pH, D2EHPA concentration, temperature, and organic to aqueous ratio were evaluated. Based on the results obtained at optimal conditions, the pH =2.5-3, [D2EHPA]=20%(vol/vol) and at 40 ° C, the extraction efficiency of zinc and magnesium ions were 95% and 10%, respectively, while the value of ΔpH0.5(Zn-Mg) factor was obtained more than 5.1 under the condition of [D2EHPA]= 20%(v/v). Also for the aqueous to the organic phase ratio (A/O) of 1: 1, an optimum zinc separation factor of 5010 was calculated.