METHOD OF SEPARATION OF NICKEL FROM COPPER IN SOLUTIONS Russian patent published in 2003 - IPC

FIELD: hydrometallurgy of non-ferrous metals; extraction of nickel from solutions containing micro-admixtures of copper obtaining commercial product in form of nickel vitriol of highest grade. SUBSTANCE: proposed method includes collective foam floatation extraction of nickel and copper by solution of naphthenic acid in kerosene at pH=7.8-8.25. Foam product thus obtained is separated by settling into aqueous and organic phases. Organic phase is treated by aqueous solution of sulfuric acid at pH=3.7- 5.0 and temperature of 60-70 C. Under these conditions, nickel passes to aqueous solution and copper remains in organic phase. EFFECT: increased coefficient of separation of nickel from copper at obtaining commercial product satisfying standard requirements. 2 tbl, 1 ex