The two-stage cobalt precipitation process is a hydrometallurgical process widely used to extract cobalt from cobalt-containing solutions. Reactive magnesium oxide has the following applications in the two-stage cobalt precipitation process:
First stage cobalt precipitation:
Neutralizer: The first stage cobalt precipitation usually uses sodium hydroxide as a neutralizer to precipitate some cobalt ions. However, activated magnesium oxide can also be used as a neutralizer as it is a strong base.
Flocculant: Activated magnesium oxide has good flocculation properties. Adding activated magnesium oxide in the precipitation process can promote the formation of flocs, thus improving the separation of precipitates.
The second stage of cobalt precipitation:
Demixing: The main purpose of the second stage of cobalt precipitation is to remove iron ions and other impurities. Activated magnesium oxide has a strong adsorption capacity and can adsorb iron ions and other impurities in the solution, thus achieving the purpose of purifying the solution.
Carrier: Activated magnesium oxide can be used as a carrier to adsorb cobalt ions on the surface through co-precipitation. The adsorbed cobalt ions are more difficult to be oxidized, thus improving the cobalt extraction efficiency.
Advantages of activated magnesium oxide:
Stronger alkalinity, can be used as a neutralizer.
Excellent flocculation properties, promoting precipitation separation.
Stronger adsorption capacity, can remove impurities and adsorption of cobalt ions.
Does not form stable complexes with cobalt, easy to wash and regenerate.
Usage of reactive magnesium oxide:
The dosage of reactive magnesium oxide depends on the process conditions and the impurity content in the original liquid. Usually add 15-25% of active magnesium oxide in the first section of cobalt precipitation, add 3-5% in the second section of cobalt precipitation.
In the first stage of cobalt precipitation, the reactive magnesium oxide is dissolved in the neutralizing solution and pumped into the reactor. In the second stage of cobalt precipitation, the activated magnesium oxide was mixed well with the precipitation solution and then the precipitation reaction was carried out.
Conclusion:
Activated magnesium oxide is an important additive in the two-stage cobalt precipitation process. It has the functions of neutralization, flocculation, removal of impurities and adsorption of cobalt ions. Reasonable use of reactive magnesium oxide can improve the cobalt extraction efficiency and reduce the process cost.