Field of the invention

The invention relates to an extraction arrangement for solvent extraction as defined in the preamble of independent claim 1.

In solvent extraction, two or more mutually immiscible liquid phases are mixed together for example by using a pump and at least one mixer to form mixed dispersion. The mixed dispersion is thereafter fed into a settler that is arranged to separate the liquid phases.

Publication WO 2014/001622 presents a solvent extraction settler arrangement.

Objective of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a lightweight extraction arrangement for solvent extraction that can be transported in the form of ready-to use units to the site on which the extraction arrangement is to be used and mounted in the form of ready-to use units on the site on which the extraction arrangement is to be used.

Short description of the invention

The extraction arrangement of the invention is characterized by the definitions of independent claim 1.

Preferred embodiments of the extraction arrangement are defined in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the realization that skid units i.e. the extraction modules comprising at least one extraction section each having a pump, a mixer, a settler, a first discharge launder, and a second discharge launder form a foundation making a modular plant lay-out possible.

Since each extraction section of each extraction module comprise all necessary piping between the parts of the extraction section, i.e. the pump, the mixer, the settler, the first discharge launder, and the second discharge launder, it allows instrumentation assembly on site of manufacture which allows delivery of Plug-and-play-plants.

In an embodiment of the extraction arrangement each extraction module comprise a framework structure having an outer shape of a cuboid such as an outer shape corresponding to that of 20 foot shipping container as set forth in standard ISO 668 Series 1 "Freight containers - classification, dimensions, and ratings". In this embodiment of the extraction arrangement, each extraction section of each extraction module is arranged fully within an inner space defined by the outer shape of the framework structure. This provided for easy transportation. In each extraction module in this embodiment of the extraction arrangement, the pump, the mixer, the settler, the first discharge launder, and the second discharge launder is supported at the framework structure having an outer shape of a cuboid. An advantage of this is that the pump, the mixer, the settler, the first discharge launder, and the second discharge launder can have a simpler construction such as a less-rigid construction, because the framework structure having an outer shape of a cuboid functions as a supporting structure.

An embodiment of the extraction arrangement comprises a plurality of extraction modules each comprising at least one extraction section, where the pump comprises a pump housing, where the mixer comprises a mixer housing, where the settler comprises a settler housing, where the first discharge launder comprises a first discharge launder housing, and where the second discharge launder of comprises a second discharge launder housing. In this embodiment of the extraction arrangement, in each extraction section of each extraction module the pump housing is made of polymer and having a substantially uniform microstructure throughout pump housing, the mixer housing is made of polymer and having a substantially uniform microstructure throughout mixer housing, the settler housing is made of polymer and having a substantially uniform microstructure throughout settler housing, the first discharge launder housing is made of polymer and having a substantially uniform microstructure throughout first discharge launder housing, and the second discharge launder housing is made of polymer and having a substantially uniform microstructure throughout second discharge launder housing. In this embodiment of the extraction arrangement, in each extraction section in each extraction module the pump housing, the mixer housing, the settler housing, the first discharge launder housing, and the second discharge launder housing is made of polymer by using rotational molding. This provides for lightweight extraction modules and low-cost manufacturing. Rotational molding enables also for molding of complex structural details such as small and large openings and fastening features in the molded structure.

List of figures

In the following the invention will described in more detail by referring to the figures, which

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an extraction module that can be used in a first embodiment of the extraction arrangement schematically illustrated in part in figure 4,

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an extraction module that can be used in a second embodiment of the extraction arrangement schematically illustrated in part in figure 5,

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an extraction module that can be used in a third embodiment of the extraction arrangement schematically illustrated in part in figure 6,

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a part of a first embodiment of the extraction arrangement,

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a part of a second embodiment of the extraction arrangement,

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a part of a third embodiment of the extraction arrangement, Figure 7 shows an extraction module that can be used in a fourth embodiment of the extraction arrangement illustrated in part in figures 11 and 12,

Figure 8 shows the extraction module shown in figure 7 as seen from above,

Figure 9 shows the extraction module shown in figure 7 as seen from one end side, Figure 10 shows the extraction module shown in figure 7 as seen from one side, and Figures 11 and 12 shows a part of a fourth embodiment of the extraction arrangement.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention relates to an extraction arrangement for solvent extraction.

The extraction arrangement comprises at least one extraction modules 1; la, lb, lc.

Each extraction module comprises at least one extraction section 2; 2a, 2b.

Each extraction section 2; 2a, 2b has a pump 3; 3 a, 3b for mixing two or more mutually immiscible liquid phases together into dispersion.

The pump 3; 3a, 3b can for example be a pump of the type presented in publication WO 2012/069703.

The pump have a first inlet 4; 4a, 4b for feeding liquid organic phase (not shown in the figures) into the pump, a second inlet 5; 5a, 5b for feeding liquid aqueous phase (not shown in the figures) into the pump, and a first outlet 6; 6a, 6b for feeding dispersion out of the pump.

Each extraction section 2; 2a, 2b has a mixer 7; 7a, 7b having a third inlet 8; 8a, 8b in fluid communication with the first outlet of the pump for feeding dispersion into the mixer from the pump and a second outlet 9; 9a, 9b for feeding mixed dispersion out of the mixer.

The mixer 7; 7a, 7b can for example be a pump of the type presented in publication WO 2012/035207.

Each extraction section 2; 2a, 2b has a settler 10; 10a, 10b for separation of solution phases of mixed dispersion.

The settler has at a feed end 11; 11a, l ib a fourth inlet 12; 12a, 12b in fluid communication with the second outlet of the mixer for feeding mixed dispersion into the settler from the mixer.

The settler has at a discharge end 13; 13a, 13b a third outlet 14; 14a, 14b and a fourth outlet (15; 15a, 15b).

The settler 10; 10a, 10b is configured to separate of the mixed dispersion while the mixed dispersion flows from the feed end 11; 11a, 1 lb to the discharge end 13; 13a, 13b.

Each extraction section 2; 2a, 2b has a first discharge launder 16; 16a, 16b in fluid communication with the third outlet of the settler and a second discharge launder 17; 17 a, 17b in fluid communication with the fourth outlet of the settler.

In at least one extraction section 2; 2a, 2b of at least one extraction module 1; la, lb, lc, the second outlet 9 of the mixer 7; 7a, 7b may be in fluid communication with the fourth inlet 12 of the settler via a second mixer 32, as is shown in figures 3 and 6. Each extraction module 1; la, lb, lc may have the form of a cuboid having a first end side 18 and an opposite second end side 19, a bottom side 20, a top side 21, a first side 22, and a second side 23.

Each extraction module 1; la, lb, lc may comprise a framework structure 24 having an outer shape in the form of a cuboid. In such case, by the pump 3; 3a, 3b, the mixer 7; 7a, 7b, the settler 10; 10a, 10b, the first discharge launder 16; 16a, 16b, and the second discharge launder 17; 17a, 17b of said at least one extraction section 2; 2a, 2b of each extraction module 1; la, lb, lc are preferably, but not necessarily, arranged fully within an inner space having the form of a cuboid, which inner space is defined by the framework structure 24.

In case, each extraction module 1; la, lb, lc comprise a framework structure 24 having an outer shape in the form of a cuboid, by at least one of the pump 3; 3a, 3b, the mixer 7; 7a, 7b, the settler 10; 10a, 10b, the first discharge launder 16; 16a, 16b, and the second discharge launder 17; 17a, 17b of said at least one extraction section 2; 2a, 2b of the extraction module 1; la, lb, lc is preferably, but not necessarily, supported at the framework structure 24 of the extraction module 1; la, lb, lc.

In case, each extraction module 1; la, lb, lc comprise a framework structure 24 having an outer shape in the form of a cuboid, the dimensions of the framework structure 24 may correspond to the dimensions of a standard 20 foot freight container. In such case, the framework structure 24 has preferably, but not necessarily, corner fittings 25, which may be corner fittings as set forth in standard ISO 1161 series 1 "Freight containers - Corner fittings - specification", at the corners of the framework structure 24 and beams 26 at the edges of the framework structure 24, which beams connects the corner fittings to a framework structure 24 having dimensions of a standard 20 foot shipping container as set forth in standard ISO 668 Series 1 "Freight containers - classification, dimensions, and ratings".

In at least one extraction module 1; la, lb, lc of the extraction arrangement, the output of the pump 3; 3a, 3b is preferably, but not necessarily, in the order of 25 to 140 m ³ /h, such as in the order of 25 to 75 m ³ /h or in the order of 80 to 140 m ³ /h.

The extraction arrangement may comprise a plurality of extraction modules 1; la, lb, lc arranged preferably, but not necessarily, into a set of parallel extraction modules, as is shown in the embodiments shown in part in figures 4, 5, and 6.

In the extraction arrangement, at least one first discharge launder 16; 16a, 16b of an extraction section 2; 2a, 2b of an extraction module 1; la, lb, lc in the set of parallel extraction modules is preferably, but not necessarily, in fluid communication with a first inlet 4; 4a, 4b of a pump 3; 3a, 3b of another extraction module 1; la, lb, lc of the set of parallel extraction modules.

In the extraction arrangement, at least one second inlet 5; 5a, 5b of a pump 3; 3a, 3b of an extraction section 2; 2a, 2b of an extraction module 1; la, lb, lc in the set of parallel extraction modules is preferably, but not necessarily, in in fluid communication with the second discharge launder 17; 17a, 17b of another extraction module 1 ; la, lb, lc of the set of parallel extraction modules.

In the extraction arrangement, one first inlet 4; 4a, 4b of a pump 3; 3a, 3b of an extraction section 2; 2a, 2b of an extraction module 1; la, lb, lc in the set of parallel extraction modules is preferably, but not necessarily, in in fluid communication with a first feed arrangement 33 for feeding organic phase into the set of parallel extraction modules. In such case, liquid organic phase is preferably, but not necessarily, fed into the set of parallel extraction modules solely via said one first inlet 4; 4a, 4b of a pump 3; 3a, 3b of an extraction section 2; 2a, 2b of an extraction module 1; la, lb, lc in the set of parallel extraction modules.

In the extraction arrangement, one second inlet 5: 5a, 5b of a pump 3; 3a, 3b of an extraction section 2; 2a, 2b of an extraction module 1; la, lb, lc in the set of parallel extraction modules is preferably, but not necessarily, in in fluid communication with a second feed arrangement 34 for feeding liquid aqueous phase into the set of parallel extraction modules. In such case, second liquid aqueous phase is preferably, but not necessarily, fed into the set of parallel extraction modules solely via said one second inlet 5; 5a, 5b of a pump 3; 3a, 3b of an extraction section 2; 2a, 2b of an extraction module 1; la, lb, lc in the set of parallel extraction modules.

In the extraction arrangement, one second discharge launder 17; 17 a, 17b of an extraction module 1; la, lb, lc in the set of parallel extraction modules is preferably, but not necessarily, in in fluid communication with a second discharge arrangement 36 for feeding extracted liquid aqueous phase from the set of parallel extraction modules. In such case, extracted liquid aqueous phase is preferably, but not necessarily, fed from the set of parallel extraction modules solely via said one second discharge launder 17; 17a, 17b of an extraction module 1; la, lb, lc in the set of parallel extraction modules.

In the extraction arrangement, one first discharge launder 16; 16a, 16b of an extraction module 1; la, lb, lc in the set of parallel extraction modules is preferably, but not necessarily, in in fluid communication with a first discharge arrangement 35 for feeding extracted liquid organic phase from the set of parallel extraction modules. In such case, extracted liquid organic phase is preferably, but not necessarily, fed from the set of parallel extraction modules solely via said one first discharge launder 17; 17a, 17b of an extraction module 1; la, lb, lc in the set of parallel extraction modules.

In an embodiment of the extraction arrangement, the extraction arrangement is used for extraction and the first feed arrangement 33 is configured to feed liquid organic phase in the form of barren organic into the set of parallel extraction modules and the second feed arrangement 34 is configured to feed liquid aqueous phase in the form of pregnant leach solution into the set of parallel extraction modules. In this embodiment of the extraction arrangement, the first discharge arrangement 35 is configured to receive extracted liquid organic phase in the form of loaded organic from the set of parallel extraction modules and the second discharge arrangement 36 is configured to receive extracted liquid aqueous phase in the form of raffinate from the set of parallel extraction modules.

In an embodiment of the extraction arrangement, the extraction arrangement is used for washing/scrubbing and the first feed arrangement 33 is configured to feed liquid organic phase in the form loaded organic into the set of parallel extraction modules and the second feed arrangement 34 is configured to feed liquid aqueous phase in the form of acidic aqueous solution into the set of parallel extraction modules. In this embodiment of the extraction arrangement, the first discharge arrangement 35 is configured to receive extracted liquid organic phase in the form of loaded organic from the set of parallel extraction modules and the second discharge arrangement 36 is configured to receive extracted liquid aqueous phase in the form of loaded acidic aqueous solution from the set of parallel extraction modules.

In an embodiment of the extraction arrangement, the extraction arrangement is used for stripping and the first feed arrangement 33 is configured to feed liquid organic phase in the form loaded organic into the set of parallel extraction modules and the second feed arrangement 34 is configured to feed liquid aqueous phase in the form of lean electrolyte into the set of parallel extraction modules. In this embodiment of the extraction arrangement, the first discharge arrangement 35 is configured to receive extracted liquid organic phase in the form of barren organic from the set of parallel extraction modules and the second discharge arrangement 36 is configured to receive extracted liquid aqueous phase in the form of rich electrolyte from the set of parallel extraction modules.

In an embodiment of the extraction arrangement, the extraction arrangement is used for stripping and the first feed arrangement 33 is configured to feed liquid organic phase in the form loaded organic into the set of parallel extraction modules and the second feed arrangement 34 is configured to feed liquid aqueous phase in the form of diluted H2SO4 solution into the set of parallel extraction modules. In this embodiment of the extraction arrangement, the first discharge arrangement 35 is configured to receive extracted liquid organic phase in the form of barren organic from the set of parallel extraction modules and the second discharge arrangement 36 is configured to receive extracted liquid aqueous phase in the form of metal sulfate solution from the set of parallel extraction modules.

Figure 4 shows a part of a first embodiment of an extraction arrangement and figures 11 and 12 shows a part of a fourth embodiment of an extraction arrangement.

In figure 4 and in figures 11 and 12, the arrangement comprises a plurality of extraction modules la, lb, lc each comprising a first extraction section 2a and a second extraction section 2b.

In figure 4 and in figures 11 and 12 the first inlet 4a and the second inlet 5 a of the pump 3a of the first extraction section 2a is positioned at the first end side 18 in each extraction module la, lb, lc. In figure 4 and in figures 11 and 12 the first inlet 4b and the second inlet 5b of the pump 3b of the second extraction section 2b being positioned at the second end side 19 in each extraction module la, lb, lc.

In figure 4 and in figures 11 and 12 the first discharge launder 16a and the second discharge launder 17a of the first extraction section 2a being positioned at the second end side 19 in each extraction module la, lb, lc.

In figure 4 and in figures 11 and 12 the first discharge launder 16b and the second discharge launder 17b of the second extraction section 2b being positioned at the first end side 18 in each extraction module la, lb, lc.

In figure 4 and in figures 11 and 12, the arrangement comprises a plurality of extraction modules la, lb, lc arranged in parallel into a set of parallel extraction modules (not marked with a reference numeral) so that the first extraction sections 2a and the second extraction sections 2b are arranged in alternating order in the set of parallel extraction modules.

In figure 4 and in figures 11 and 12 the second discharge launder 17a of the first extraction section 2a of the extraction module la, lb, lc is in fluid communication with the second inlet 5b of the pump 3b of the second extraction section 2b of the extraction module la, lb, lc in each extraction module la, lb, lc in the set of parallel extraction modules.

In figure 4 and in figures 11 and 12 the first discharge launder 16b of the second extraction section 2b of the extraction module la, lb, lc is in fluid communication with the first inlet 4a of the pump 3a of the first extraction section 2a of the extraction module la, lb, lc in each extraction module la, lb, lc in the set of parallel extraction modules.

In figure 4 and in figures 11 and 12 at least one first discharge launder 16a of a first extraction section 2a of an extraction module la, lb is in fluid communication with a first inlet 4b of a pump 3b of a second section 2b of another extraction module lb, lc in the set of parallel extraction modules.

In figure 4 and in figures 11 and 12 at least one second discharge launder 17b of a second extraction section 2b of an extraction module la, lc is in fluid communication with a first inlet 5a of a pump 3a of the first section 2a of another extraction module la, lb in the set of parallel extraction modules.

In figure 4 one first inlet 4b of a pump 3b of a second section 2b of an extraction module lb in the set of parallel extraction modules is in fluid communication with a first feed arrangement 33 for feeding liquid organic phase into the set of parallel extraction modules.

In figure 4 one second inlet 5a of a pump 3a of a first section 2a of an extraction module lc in the set of parallel extraction modules is in fluid communication with a second feed arrangement 34 for feeding liquid aqueous phase into the set of parallel extraction modules.

In figure 4 one second discharge launder 17b of a second section 2b of an extraction module lb in the set of parallel extraction modules is in fluid communication with a second discharge arrangement 36 for discharging extracted liquid aqueous phase from the set of parallel extraction modules.

In figure 4 one first discharge launder 16a of a first section 2a of an extraction module lc in the set of parallel extraction modules is in fluid communication with a first discharge arrangement 35 for discharging extracted liquid aqueous phase from the set of parallel extraction modules

Figure 5 shows a part of a second embodiment of an extraction arrangement.

In figure 5, the arrangement comprises a plurality of extraction modules la, lb, lc each comprising one extraction section 2.

In figure 5 the first inlet 4 and the second inlet 5 of the pump 3 of the extraction section 2 is positioned at the first end side 18 in each extraction module la, lb, lc.

In figure 5 the first discharge launder 16 and the second discharge launder 17 of the extraction section is positioned at the first end side 18 in each extraction module la, lb, lc.

In figure 5, the arrangement comprises a plurality of extraction modules la, lb, lc arranged in parallel into a set of parallel extraction modules, where the first end side 18 of every extraction module la, lb, lc faces in a first direction, and where the second end side 19 of every extraction module la, lb, lc faces in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

In figure 5 at least one first discharge launder 16 of an extraction section 2 of an extraction module la, lb in the set of parallel extraction modules is in fluid communication with a second inlet 5 of a pump 3 of another extraction module lb, lc of the set of parallel extraction modules.

In figure 5 at least one second inlet 5 of a pump 3 of an extraction section 2 of an extraction module la, lb in the set of parallel extraction modules is in fluid communication with the second discharge launder 17 of another extraction module lc of the set of parallel extraction modules.

In figure 5 one first inlet 4 of a pump 3 of an extraction section 2 of an extraction module lc in the set of parallel extraction modules is in fluid communication with a first feed arrangement 33 for feeding liquid organic phase into the set of parallel extraction modules

In figure 5 one second inlet 5 of a pump 3 of an extraction section 2 of an extraction module lb in the set of parallel extraction modules being in fluid communication with a second feed arrangement 34 for feeding liquid aqueous phase into the set of parallel extraction modules.

In figure 5 one second discharge launder 17 of an extraction module lc in the set of parallel extraction modules is in fluid communication with a second discharge arrangement 36 for feeding extracted liquid aqueous phase from the set of parallel extraction modules.

In figure 5 one first discharge launder 16 of an extraction module lb in the set of parallel extraction modules is in fluid communication with a first discharge arrangement 35 for feeding extracted liquid organic phase from the set of parallel extraction modules.

Figure 6 shows a part of a third embodiment of an extraction arrangement.

In figure 6, the arrangement comprising a plurality of extraction modules la, lb, lc each comprising one extraction section 2.

In figure 6 the first inlet 4 and the second inlet 5 of the pump 3 of the extraction section 2 are positioned at the first end side 18 in each extraction module la, lb, lc.

In figure 6 the first discharge launder 16 and the second discharge launder 17 of the extraction section are positioned at the second end side 19 in each extraction module la, lb, lc.

In figure 6 the arrangement comprises a plurality of extraction modules la, lb, lc arranged in parallel into a set of parallel extraction modules, where the first end side 18 of every second extraction module la, lb, lc faces in a first direction, and where the second end side 19 of every second extraction module la, lb, lc faces in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

In figure 6 at least one first discharge launder 16 of the extraction section 2 of an extraction module la, lc in the set of parallel extraction modules is in fluid communication with the first inlet 4 of a pump 3 of another extraction module la, lb in the set of parallel extraction modules.

In figure 6 at least one second inlet 5 of a pump 3 of the extraction section 2 of an extraction module la, lc in the set of parallel extraction modules is in fluid communication with the second discharge launder 17 of another extraction module la, lb in the set of parallel extraction modules.

In figure 6 one first inlet 4 of a pump 3 of the extraction section 2 of an extraction module lc in the set of parallel extraction modules being in fluid communication with a first feed arrangement 33 for feeding liquid organic phase into the set of parallel extraction modules.

In figure 6 one second inlet 5 of a pump 3 of the extraction section 2 of an extraction module lc in the set of parallel extraction modules being in fluid communication with a second feed arrangement 34 for feeding liquid aqueous phase into the set of parallel extraction modules.

In figure 6 one second discharge launder 17 of an extraction module lc in the set of parallel extraction modules being in fluid communication with a second discharge arrangement 36 for feeding extracted liquid aqueous phase from the set of parallel extraction modules.

In figure 6 one second discharge launder 16 of an extraction module lb in the set of parallel extraction modules being in fluid communication with a first discharge arrangement 35 for feeding extracted liquid organic phase from the set of parallel extraction modules.

An embodiment of the extraction arrangement comprises a plurality of extraction modules 1; la, lb, lc each comprising at least one extraction section 2; 2a, 2b, where the pump 3; 3a, 3b comprising a pump housing 27 that is made of polymer and having a substantially uniform microstructure throughout the pump housing. In this embodiment, the pump housing 27 is preferably, but not necessarily, made by rotational molding.

An embodiment of the extraction arrangement comprises a plurality of extraction modules 1; la, lb, lc each comprising at least one extraction section 2; 2a, 2b, where the mixer 7; 7a, 7b comprising a mixer housing 28 that is made of polymer and having a substantially uniform micro structure throughout the mixer housing 28. In this embodiment, the mixer housing

28 is preferably, but not necessarily, made by rotational molding.

An embodiment of the extraction arrangement comprises a plurality of extraction modules 1; la, lb, lc each comprising at least one extraction section 2; 2a, 2b, where the settler 10; 10a, 10b comprising a settler housing 29 that is made of polymer and having a substantially uniform micro structure throughout the settler housing 29. In this embodiment, the settler housing

29 is preferably, but not necessarily, made by rotational molding.

An embodiment of the extraction arrangement comprises a plurality of extraction modules 1; la, lb, lc each comprising at least one extraction section 2; 2a, 2b, where the first discharge launder 16; 16a, 16b comprising a first discharge launder housing 30 that is made of polymer and having a substantially uniform micro structure throughout the first discharge launder housing 30. In this embodiment, the first discharge launder housing 30 is preferably, but not necessarily, made by rotational molding.

An embodiment of the extraction arrangement comprises a plurality of extraction modules 1; la, lb, lc each comprising at least one extraction section 2; 2a, 2b, where the second discharge launder 17; 17a, 17b comprising a second discharge launder housing 31 that is made of polymer and having a substantially uniform microstructure throughout the second discharge launder housing 31. In this embodiment, the second discharge launder housing 31 is preferably, but not necessarily, made by rotational molding.

It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that as technology advances, the basic idea of the invention can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are therefore not restricted to the above examples, but they may vary within the scope of the claims.