Titanium-Tantalum Co-Extraction
Titanium-tantalum co-extraction, also known as apatite leaching, is an extraction method used to separate the two metals from their ore. The ore is subjected to acid leaching, typically with sulfuric acid, in order to separate the titanium and tantalum ions from other elements. The separated ions are then extracted into separate solutions by solvent extraction, each with one of the two metals.
The process of titanium-tantalum co-extraction begins with ore preparation. Ore needs to be crushed and ground in order to create a finer particle size and increase the surface area. The ore is then leached in order to extract the titanium and tantalum ions. The leaching process is usually done in a sulfuric acid solution, or another strong acid or base, at a temperature of 65℃ to 90℃. After leaching the solution is neutralized and treated with a reagent in order to precipitate all other elements in the ore. The remaining solution is then processed with solvent extraction in order to separate the titanium and tantalum ions into two separate solutions.
In solvent extraction, hydrophobic extractants are added to the solution, which are capable of extracting the titanium and tantalum ions. The extractants bind to the metal ions and then separate out when an aqueous phase is added, resulting in two separate solutions with the two metals in each solution. The separated solutions are then subjected to stripping, which involves removing the ions from the solvent solution in order to obtain a titanium-tantalum concentrate. The titanium-tantalum concentrate can then be processed further in order to recover the metals.
Titanium-tantalum co-extraction is a useful method for separating the two metals. The process is cost-effective, simple and efficient, and can be used to recover both titanium and tantalum from the same ore. It is also relatively environment friendly, as it does not use any toxic or hazardous chemicals. Overall, titanium-tantalum co-extraction is an efficient and sustainable way to separate these two valuable metals.
