Extraction equilibrium conditions of beryllium and aluminium from a beryl ore for optimal industrial beryllium compound production

Abstract

This study examines the extraction of beryllium and aluminium from a Nigerian beryl ore using Cyanex (R) 272 in kerosene from an aqueous sulphate pregnant solution. Parameters such as extractant concentration and equilibrium pH that dictates the extraction yield were studied. Under the following conditions: temperature 27 +/- 2 degrees C, phase ratio 11, about 45.50 and 46.76% of beryllium and aluminium were extracted by 0.15 mol L-1 Cyanex (R) 272 concentration within 30 min. However, the extraction yield of beryllium and aluminium was increased to 91.68% and 97.89% at equilibrium pH of 3 and 4, respectively, for beryllium and aluminium at 27 +/- 2 degrees C. A 0.05 mol L-1 H2SO4 solution was found to be adequate for the stripping of about 99.00% Be and 95.40% Al from the loaded organic phase. The pure solutions containing metal ions were accordingly beneficiated to obtain beryllium and aluminium compounds of industrial values.