Inventors:
Jerome P. Dorlac - Tucson AZ
International Classification:
B01D 1104
Abstract:
A method of solvent extraction for extracting a required component, such as a metal value, dissolved or dispersed in a support medium, constituting a first phase, e. g. an aqueous phase, by mixing the first phase with an extractant, constituting a second phase, e. g. an organic phase, insoluble or immiscible with the first phase. The second phase has a greater affinity for the required component in order to extract the component from the first phase into the second phase. After the mixing step, the phases are subjected to a settling phase in which the phases are caused to flow in counter-current fashion with respect to each other in order to separate the phases. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.