Mixer Settlers
Description
In the mining industry, an extraction process is normally carried out in a series of mixer-settlers which operate in countercurrent mode. The purification and concentration of metals like copper from solutions produced by leaching of ores and concentrates are the major tasks in these processes. Up to now solvent extraction technologies continue to be an attractive option for metal producers. The drop size of the solvent is the key to an optimized process as mass transfer rate and settling time are contrary and need to be optimized against each other. SOPAT delivers the key information for mixer-settlers: The drop size distribution in real time. Optimum mass transfer rates will be achieved at reasonable settling times.
The SOPAT technology is based on photo-optic in-situ microscopy in combination with an automated image analysis package that is able to extract the relevant particle information from the image data.
Different probes are available to cover a measurement range from 1 to 10000 μm. For a certain anticipated particle size range, a specific probe is chosen to perform the measurement.
SOPAT probes are rubber or ceramic lined to be used inline despite heavy abrasion challenges.
SOPAT can measure in:
Liquid/liquid
Gas/liquid
Solid/liquid
Solid/gas
Gas/liquid/liquid
Gas/liquid/solid