Metal Extraction Mixer-Settler Design

The device designed is a mixer-settler that mixes hydrophobic solvent with an aqueous media that contains the metal needing to be extracted. The mixer-settler can separate a large amount of metal from the aqueous mixture in a relatively short amount of time. Calculations were carefully made to scale and optimize the function of the device. A 3D-printed plexiglass model helped with observing the mixing process and making appropriate changes. Testing and analysis improved the device’s capability. Extraction entraining with hydrophobic fluid is expensive. The mixer-settler design uses less hydrophobic fluid and shows a lot of promise for use in the future of mining.