LIQUID-LIQUID EXTRACTION OF GALLIUM FROM BASIC AQUEOUS¹SOLUTIONS USING AN ORGANIC BASE.

摘要

In the process for liquid-liquid extraction of gallium from sodium aluminate lye originating from the production of alumina by the Bayer process with the aid of an organic phase consisting of substituted hydroxyquinoline and of an organic solvent, the sodium and the aluminium, besides the gallium, also moving into the organic phase, the sodium present in the loaded organic phase, in which case soda lye is formed, is separated off in a first washing stage, by washing with water, before going on to the following stages of reextraction and separation enabling gallium to be obtained. …??The said soda lye can be recycled into the Bayer process. In addition, this washing stage can be carried out in equipment which is not made of an acid-resistant material. …??Finally, this washing stage makes it possible to reduce the usage of acid during the extraction stages which follow.