Work

Hollow drop bubbles a proposed new technology for optimized metal extraction validated in the laboratory

Year: 2025

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: A new technology for solvent extraction has been developed. This innovation, Hollow Drop, merges flotation with solvent extraction by using air bubbles coated with an insoluble extractant material. While the concept of coated bubbles is not new, our work focuses on advancing this idea by generating a swarm of coated bubbles to scale up the process. Experimental tests were conducted using dissolved copper solutions, SX extractants, Iodine solutions, and Kerosene, achieving copper recoveries of 70% with aqueous-to-organic (A/O) ratios of 17. These results demonstrate that the coated bubble process can operate continuously and holds promise for industrial-scale implementation.

DOI: 10.5937/imprc25091p

Authors: Diego Poblete, Claudio Leiva, Maria Sinche-Gonzales, Claudio Acuña

Institutions: University of Oulu, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María

Language: English

Topic: Minerals Flotation and Separation Techniques

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Funder: Universidad Católica del Norte

OpenAlex ID: W4410339442