Extraction studies of cobalt (II) and nickel (II) from chloride solution using PC88A

Solvent extraction study of cobalt and nickel were carried out from a chloride solution with a high ratio of Co to Ni using the sodium salt of PC88A as extractant diluted in kerosene. The solution was generated in batches by leaching a tungsten super alloy scraps. The results show that extraction rate of metal ions increases with increase of aqueous phase pH value. The pH0.5 value difference of 1.40 with PC88A indicates the possible separation of cobalt and nickel. Increase of the concentration of the solvent can enhance the percentage extraction of both metal ions. Improvement of temperature is beneficial to extraction separation of cobalt and nickel. Extraction and stripping processes were also studied in a cross-current solvent extraction unit and the results were also given.