Case studies in applying Recoflo ion-exchange technology.

The Recoflo system uses resin beads with much smaller diameters than conventional ion exchangers, greatly improving the process kinetics. Its fine-mesh resins, short, fully packed ion exchange columns and countercurrent regeneration offer considerable advantages despite possible problems with fouling and entrainment. It is particularly suited for hydrometallurgical applications, due to its ability to process more concentrated feed solutions, its recovery of concentrated metal product streams and its much smaller resin volume requirement. Strong mineral acids can be separated from dissolved metal salts in an acid purification unit. Recoflo systems have been tested or are in use to remove As, Bi and Sb at Bingham Canyon, Utah, Ni and Cu sulphates at Kidd Creek, Ontario, Mg and Mn from zinc electrolyte at Valleyfield, Quebec, Ni from cobalt electrolyte at Port Colborne, Ontario, and Ni and Co from ammonium sulphate by-product streams.
The Recoflo system uses resin beads with much smaller diameters than conventional ion exchangers, greatly improving the process kinetics. Its fine-mesh resins, short, fully packed ion exchange columns and countercurrent regeneration offer considerable advantages despite possible problems with fouling and entrainment. It is particularly suited for hydrometallurgical applications, due to its ability to process more concentrated feed solutions, its recovery of concentrated metal product streams and its much smaller resin volume requirement. Strong mineral acids can be separated from dissolved metal salts in an acid purification unit. Recoflo systems have been tested or are in use to remove As, Bi and Sb at Bingham Canyon, Utah, Ni and Cu sulphates at Kidd Creek, Ontario, Mg and Mn from zinc electrolyte at Valleyfield, Quebec, Ni from cobalt electrolyte at Port Colborne, Ontario, and Ni and Co from ammonium sulphate by-product streams.