Flawless mixer-settler run with CMI diglycolamide REE extractant

diagrams of chemical composition, represent Evolution of DGA extractant from TODGA to CMI’s TGDGA-6 (licensed and produced by Marshallton Research Labs) that yields 2.5 to 5 times higher loading of lanthanides.
Evolution of DGA extractant from TODGA to CMI’s TGDGA-6 (licensed and produced by Marshallton Research Labs) that yields 2.5 to 5 times higher loading of lanthanides.

CMI researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory and Marshallton conducted the research for this highlight.

Innovation 
Improved light lanthanide separation using neutral extractant 

Achievement
Successful run of a 32-stage counter-current mixer settler flowsheet using CMI’s novel technical-grade diglycolamide (TGDGA-6) extractant to separate La-Ce from Pr-Nd. Run completed flawlessly, data analysis in progress.

Significance and Impact

  • Potential replacement of industry-standard REE extractant with more selective and efficient TGDGA-6 operating at high concentration and loading with good hydrodynamic properties from economical HCl feed solution.
  • Potential reduction in footprint, CAPEX, and waste production.
  • A different modifier at higher concentration (≥ 5 vol%) was found to avoid precipitation and emulsion problems encountered previously.

Hub Target Addressed 

  • Highly selective separation from complex sources
  • Selective separation of adjacent Lns
image of laboratory equipment: Counter-current mixer settlers filled with TGDGA-6 solvent; contacted with light rare earth element feed in 4 M hydrochloric acid.
Counter-current mixer settlers filled with TGDGA-6 solvent; contacted with light rare earth element feed in 4 M hydrochloric acid.