In the solvent extraction laboratory, high purity metal separation processes are developed.

• Separation and decomposition of materials by spray dryer and fluidized bed
• Solvent extraction process
• Solid-liquid (ion-exchange) separation process

Separation and decomposition of materials by spray dryer and fluidized bed

Description:

Spray and fluidized bed dryers are extensively used in material drying because they offer an excellent contact between particles and gas. The study of drying and thermal decomposition of materials in these dryers targets the optimization of industrial processes and obtaining products with desired morphological characteristics (surface area, average particle diameter, specific density) to fulfil market demands.

Applications:

Nuclear, chemical (ceramic materials, plastics, resins, detergents, etc.), food (soups, condiments, milk powder, cereals, etc.) and others:

• Controlled morphology materials;
• Drying of solutions, pastes, suspensions;
• Drying of agricultural products;
• Thermal decomposition of materials through the spray dryer technique;
• Industrial waste treatment;
• Study the influence of the operational variables (outflow, temperature, concentration, etc.) and modeling of dryers with the objective of optimizing the industrial processes and improving the final product.

Solvent-extraction process

Description:

The solvent-extraction process associated with modeling and simulation tools enables the separation and purification of elements or mineral compounds to a high degree of purity. This process is carried out in sets of multiple stage mixer decanters.

Applications:

Nuclear Industry, mining, metallurgy, industrial waste:

• Obtaining high purity and high aggregated value rare earths;
• Separation and purification of metals and compounds to a high purity level;
• Recovery of high aggregated value materials present in industrial waste;
• Project and optimization of pilot plants and industrial facilities

Solid-liquid separation process (ion exchange)

Description:

Ion exchange is a process of separation, concentration and analysis of materials, which are selectively absorbed by ion exchange resins.

Applications:

Nuclear industry, chemistry, radioactive and industrial waste:

• Separation, concentration of inorganic and organic materials;
• Industrial waste treatment with the recovery of high aggregated value metals, present in waste basins;
• Separation of polluting metals to reduce environmental impact;
• Low and medium activity radioactive liquid waste treatment;
• Optimization of industrial processes