DETERMINING NICKEL EXTRACTION CONVERSION MODES FROM SULFATE-CHLORIDE SOLUTION PRODUCED BY KOLA MMC TO PRODUCE NICKEL SULPHATE

The paper presents the results of nickel extraction from nickel solutions produced by Kola MMC followed by the production of crystalline nickel sulfate. Neodecanoic acid (Versatic-10) was used as the extractant. The effect of aqueous phase acidity on the extraction capacity of the extractant was determined. Laboratory experiments revealed the optimal extraction parameters. This resulted in 87 % nickel recovery. Pilot tests on a cascade system revealed that deviations from optimal parameters lead to the formation of a third phase which complicates the extraction process. During the pilot testing, the nickel washing, stripping parameters and the number of extraction stages for each unit were determined. Based on the results of the completed studies, an optimal extraction process flowsheet was determined for producing nickel sulfate compliant with HG/T 5919-2021, Grade I.