ANTIOXIDANTS FOR USE IN SOLVENT EXTRACTION SYSTEMS

摘要

A method of solvent extraction that reduces crud formation, and generally comprises the steps of: providing an organic solution; providing an organic-soluble antioxidant; and, dissolving the antioxidant in the organic solution, thereby reducing crud formation. Antioxidant levels within the organic solution may be monitored and adjusted over time to maintain proper levels of antioxidant. A solvent extraction circuit for the reduced formation of crud is also disclosed. The circuit generally comprises at least one mixer, a first settler; and, delivery means for providing an organic-soluble antioxidant to one or more portions of the at least one mixer and/or the first settler. The circuit may comprise an emulsion zone removal means for speeding up flow rates in the first settler, and at least one second settler may be operatively connected to the emulsion zone removal means to process the removed emulsion separately and differently than the first settler.