Reactive extraction for separation of KCl and NH4Cl from aqueous solution using tributylamine

• Reactive extraction technology was used to separate KCl from NH4Cl solution.
• Tributylamine and 1-butanol are the extractant and dilutent, respectively.
• Vacuum and temperature play an important role in the process of separation.
• Tributylamine with 1-butanol can be recovered and used circularly.

The reactive extraction process with amine extractants for the separation of KCl and NH4Cl was studied. Tributylamine (TBA) with 1-butanol has been proven to be an effective extractant. A series of influencing factors of the NH4Cl conversion rate were systematically investigated (such as reaction temperature, pressure, reaction time, stirring speed and dilution ratio). The conversion rate of NH4Cl can reach up to 98.7% under the optimum conditions. The recovery of the extractant is mainly determined by the type of the diluents on the distribution result of the R3N·HCl in the organic phase. The TBA can be regenerated by NH3 producing via self-reaction and the recovery efficiency of TBA could reach 91.0%.