Hydrometals – PLS Clarification

In addition to the traditional crud and clay treatment with decanters, GEA Westfalia Separator also offers an alternative process: PLS clarification with special nozzle-type separators. Compared to crud treatment, the advantage of this innovative process is that impurities which are responsible for the formation of crud are removed from the process at an early stage. Crud cannot form.

 

PLS clarification takes place between the organic washing and extraction stage. The PLS (Pure Leach Solution) from leaching contains insoluble solids such as mica or clay which are responsible for the formation of crud.

 

Nozzle-type separators from GEA Westfalia Separator reliably remove those insoluble particles. Particles which are too large for the nozzle-type separator are removed in an upstream rotary brush strainer. In this simple and intelligent manner, crud is prevented before it can occur.

 

In addition, high-performance separators from GEA Westfalia Separator can be used before electrolysis to remove the aqueous phase and a small percentage of solvent from the process. The advantage is that the electrolyte bath can be used for a longer period of time before it has to be replaced.