New capability development: 3D printed centrifugal contactors

Drawing of 3D printable centrifugal contactor developed by University of Louisville team of chemical and mechanical engineering undergraduate students
Drawing of 3D printable centrifugal contactor developed by University of Louisville team of chemical and mechanical engineering undergraduate students

CMI researchers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight

Innovation 
Designed 3D printable countercurrent centrifugal contactor customizable for critical mineral recovery using liquid-liquid extraction technology.

Achievement
Demonstrated proof-of-concept fabrication of 3D printed contactor prototype with REE extraction from acidic solution using DGA-based organic solvent.

Significance and Impact
3D printable contactors allow for rapid fabrication to evaluate material compatibility, including corrosive media; facilitate customization and promote scale-up through modularity. 3D printed contactors will accelerate flowsheet development for critical mineral recovery. 3D printable centrifugal contactor capability is currently being established at PNNL.

Hub Target Addressed 
CMI trains the critical materials workforce of the future.

group of eight people, with four standing behind four seated
Nicholas Lancaster, Klemmer Nicodemus, Robert Miller, Maxwell Shoyat, Kimberly Hillman, Jordan McClendon, Evelyn Khong, Holly Payne