Extraction of copper from dilute solutions by LIX 64N. Effect of dekalin and tetralin as diluents on the equilibrium and rate of mass transfer

Liquid-liquid equilibrium data and mass transfer rates for the extraction of copper from dilute aqueous sulphate solutions by LIX 64N with dekalin (decahydronaphthalene) and tetralin (1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene) as diluents are reported. The stripping of copper from the organic phase was also studied. For an initial copper concentration of 1.5 g dm^?3 extraction efficiency decreases as the concentration of tetralin increases in the diluent mixtures of dekalin-tetralin. This behaviour is explained as a result of the formation of oxime aggregates and the interaction between the oxime and the diluent. Initial rates of extraction and stripping were determined by the single drop technique. The linear relation between initial rates of extraction and the difference of interfacial tension between the extractant in the diluent and the diluent itself holds for the system under investigation.