Separation of Sn, Sb, Bi, As, Cu, Pb and Zn from hydrochloric acid solution by solvent extraction process using TBP (tri-n-butylphosphate) as an extractant

Abstract

A basic study for the recovery of tin(Sn) from the scraps or plating sludges by a hydrometallurgical process was carried out. Tin was leached out by hydrochloric acid solutions and then separated from the mixed solution of co-leached miner metals such as, As, Sb, Bi, Cu, Zn and Pb for making high purity metal. A solvent extraction process was followed for the separation of tin and other minor metals from hydrochloric acid solution using TBP (tri-n-Butylphosphate) as the extracting reagent. Optimum conditions for the separation process were obtained using separation factors of tin versus each metal impurities derived at various concentrations of hydrochloric acid and sodium chloride in aqueous solution, and TBP in the organic solution. Scrubbing for metal impurities from the loaded organic solution was studied with different HCl concentrations. The study showed that Pb, Bi, Cu, Zn and Sb were quantitatively removed by scrubbing with 8.0 mol/L HCl from the organic phase after extracted in 6.0-7.0 mol/L HCl solution; As with 4.0 mol/L HCl solution from the organic phase after extracted in 3.0 mol/L HCl solution. From the integrated separation experiment by the simulate solution at 25°C, 1.0 of O/A, and one stage contact at each extraction and purification step, the purity of finial Sn strip solution was 98.9% and the recovery of Sn was 67.9%. © 2011 The Japan Institute of Metals.