Core Role and Technological Breakthrough of Defoamers in Hydrometallurgical Extraction Processes

In hydrometallurgical processes, foam formation can severely impact metal extraction efficiency and product quality. Non-silicone defoamers, known for their high stability and environmental compatibility, have emerged as critical additives. For instance, in scandium extraction from lateritic nickel ore, defoamers reduce surface tension to inhibit third-phase formation and emulsification, thereby improving scandium recovery and purity.

Chemi Tech's hydrometallurgical defoamer utilizes a two-step synthesis:

Esterification: Amino acids react with fatty alcohols at low temperatures (0-5°C) to form amino ester intermediates, with catalysts like SOCl₂ enhancing reaction efficiency (1-5 hours).

Substitution: The intermediates react with triazine compounds to yield final products with triazine rings, offering exceptional thermal stability (80-130°C) and compatibility in harsh extraction environments.

In scandium extraction, the defoamer is added at 0.01-0.1 vol% to extractants (e.g., P204/P507 mixed with white oil). Through multistage countercurrent extraction (3-5 stages, 35-55°C), it minimizes foam interference at liquid-liquid interfaces, preventing impurity entrainment and boosting recovery rates1. It also demonstrates strong adaptability to complex sulfate systems (e.g., Ni75-100g/L, Sc 0.5-1.5g/L), making it ideal for front-end scandium recovery and impurity removal processes.