On the modelling of multicomponent acid extraction with long-chain aliphatic amines

The solvent extraction of phosphoric, hydrochloric, sulphuric, hydrofluosilicic and hydrofluoric acids with long-chain aliphatic amins is modelled. Pure acid equilibria are based on existing isotherms or calculated extraction constants when only experimental data are available. For binary mixtures binary combinations of acid complexes are added. In the aqueous phase Bromley's model for electrolytes is used for calculation of ionic activity coefficients and the appropriate association/dissociation equilibria taken into account for calculation of ionic strength. For the organic phase an empirical model for the non-ideal behaviour of phosphoric acid is used. For multicomponent mixtures at low acid concentrations the model calculates the extraction of phosphoric, hydrochloric and sulphuric acid almost quantitatively. For hydrofluosilicic and hydrofluoric acid the calculations are less precise and further information is needed about the different fluoride exchange equilibria involved.