Base Metals 2018 Abstarct

Crud formation is a common challenge within copper solvent extraction facilities, particularly in the African Copperbelt, leading to operational disruptions or shutdowns if not effectively managed. The objective of this study was to evaluate a novel additive developed by Solvay that aims to mitigate crud formation during solvent extraction processes. A series of side-by-side comparative tests were conducted at the pilot scale across various commercial copper solvent extraction operations to assess the effectiveness of the additive under different conditions. The methodology incorporated different parameters associated with crud formation, including total suspended solids, dissolved silica, and acidity of the pregnant leach solution, to understand the additive's impact. Results indicated that the additive significantly inactivated the crud formation process when applied under specific conditions, revealing its potential to enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime in solvent extraction operations. The findings contribute to the ongoing efforts to address crud-related challenges in hydrometallurgical practices, providing a viable solution that addresses both the physical and economic impacts of crud in copper production. This study showcases the importance of innovative approaches in optimizing solvent extraction operations and highlights the necessity for continued research in this area.