Patent ID: 8979976
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: C22B,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A process for separating and recovering Co from Ni in an aqueous feed solution, comprising: subjecting the feed solution containing Ni and Co and impurities comprising Mg and Mn to extraction with an extractant and using kinetic differences between Ni and Co in the extraction by controlling duration of the extraction, thereby separating the Co from the Ni, and from the Mg and the Mn, whereby a major portion of Co and a minor portion of Ni is extracted from the feed solution to produce a loaded extractant and a Co-depleted raffinate containing Ni wherein the loaded extractant is enriched in Co and depleted in Ni compared to the feed solution, wherein the concentration of Ni in the feed solution is greater than the concentration of Co, and wherein the duration of extraction is about 30 to 240 seconds, wherein the feed solution contains impurities comprising at least one of Mg, Mn, and Ca wherein the molar ratio of (Mg+Mn):Co in the feed solution is at least 6:1, wherein the extraction is carried out in two successive stages, and wherein at least one of the two successive stages comprises adding an alkali to the extractant at about 0.01 to 0.15 grammole per liter of extractant.