Clarification of Copper Sulfide Precipitates by Polymeric Microfiltration Membranes

Abstract

The recovery of copper from metallurgical effluents is critical for advancing sustainable mining and circular economy practices. This study evaluated a hybrid process combining copper sulfide precipitation with clarification using polymeric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) microfiltration membranes. Laboratory-scale experiments were performed under controlled cyanide conditions (100 mg/L free CN−, 1800 mg/L Cu2+), focusing on permeate flux behavior, fouling mechanisms, and cleaning strategies. Optimal performance was achieved at moderate transmembrane pressures (<2.0 bar) and higher flow rates, which provided a balance between productivity and fouling control. Flux decline was attributed to a combination of pore blocking and cake layer formation, confirming the multifactorial nature of fouling dynamics. Cleaning tests revealed that oxidizing solutions (HCl + H2O2) restored up to 96% of the initial permeability, while combined treatments with NaCN achieved complete recovery (>100%), albeit with potential risks of membrane aging under prolonged exposure. A techno-economic assessment comparing polymeric and ceramic membranes revealed similar capital and operational costs, with polymeric membranes offering slight reductions in CAPEX (10%) and OPEX (2.3%). Overall, the findings demonstrate the technical feasibility and economic competitiveness of polymeric membranes for copper sulfide clarification, while emphasizing the need to improve long-term chemical resistance to ensure reliable industrial-scale implementation.