PANDA860 Copper Extractant | High Cu/Fe Selectivity LIX860 Equivalent
Application Scope
PANDA860 Copper Extractant is a high-efficiency solvent extraction reagent developed for low-pH acidic copper recovery systems. Benchmarking the performance characteristics of LIX860 extractant, it is designed for copper extraction, purification, and enrichment processes where high copper selectivity and impurity control are required.
The product is suitable for copper recovery from acidic mine leachate, industrial etching waste liquid, low-pH hydrometallurgical copper separation projects, and copper-containing acidic process solutions. It supports continuous solvent extraction workflows requiring stable operation and consistent copper transfer performance.
Mechanism
PANDA860 operates through selective copper ion extraction and stripping reactions in hydrometallurgical solvent extraction circuits. Its formulation is optimized for acidic low-pH environments, helping maintain copper extraction efficiency while reducing iron impurity co-extraction.
With Cu/Fe extraction selectivity of ≥2500, PANDA860 helps improve copper solution purification by limiting iron transfer during extraction. This reduces the burden on downstream purification and electrowinning processes in copper recovery operations.
Physicochemical Properties
PANDA860 Copper Extractant is an amber transparent liquid with controlled physical properties suitable for industrial solvent extraction systems. The specific gravity at 25℃ is 0.93–0.96 g·cm⁻³, supporting practical handling, mixing, and dosing operations.
The extractant provides balanced copper loading and transfer performance, with saturated copper capacity of 5.4–5.8 g/L Cu and net copper transfer capacity of ≥2.5 g/L Cu. Its high flash point of ≥80℃ supports safer storage and transportation requirements for industrial applications.
Specifications
| Technical Item | Technical Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Amber transparent liquid |
| Specific Gravity (25℃) | 0.93–0.96 g·cm⁻³ |
| Saturated Copper Capacity | 5.4–5.8 g/L Cu |
| Closed Cup Flash Point | ≥80 ℃ |
| 30s Extraction Kinetics Efficiency | ≥95% |
| Extraction Phase Separation Time | ≤70 s |
| Extraction Isotherm Point | ≥4.7 g/L Cu |
| 30s Stripping Kinetics Efficiency | ≥92% |
| Stripping Phase Separation Time | ≤80 s |
| Stripping Isotherm Point | ≤2.1 g/L Cu |
| Net Copper Transfer Capacity | ≥2.5 g/L Cu |
| Cu/Fe Extraction Selectivity | ≥2500 |
Storage & Handling
PANDA860 Copper Extractant should be stored and handled according to industrial chemical management practices. Its closed cup flash point of ≥80℃ provides stable safety performance during storage, transportation, and on-site operation.
Before industrial application, compatibility evaluation with existing solvent extraction circuits is recommended. Operating conditions, acid concentration, solution composition, and process parameters should be considered to achieve stable copper recovery performance.
Advantages / Limitations
Advantages
PANDA860 provides strong adaptability for low-pH acidic copper extraction systems. Its high Cu/Fe selectivity helps reduce iron impurity transfer, improving copper solution purification efficiency and reducing downstream treatment pressure.
The product combines stable extraction kinetics, controlled phase separation performance, and reliable batch consistency for continuous hydrometallurgical operation. It provides an alternative copper extractant option for mining enterprises and industrial copper recycling projects requiring acidic solution processing.
Limitations
PANDA860 is designed for low-pH acidic copper extraction applications. It is not recommended for neutral or alkaline leaching systems. Selection should be based on specific process conditions, solution chemistry, and extraction circuit requirements.
Summary
PANDA860 Copper Extractant is a low-pH copper solvent extraction reagent designed for acidic hydrometallurgical copper recovery applications. With high Cu/Fe selectivity, stable extraction performance, and reliable phase separation characteristics, it supports copper extraction from mine acidic leachate and industrial copper-containing process solutions.
PANDA860 Copper Extractant – FAQ
Q1. What types of copper ores are suitable for PANDA860 solvent extraction applications?
PANDA860 is designed for copper solvent extraction applications involving acidic leach solutions generated from oxide copper ores, mixed ores, and other hydrometallurgical copper resources. It can be integrated into SX-EW processes where selective copper transfer from the aqueous phase to the organic phase is required. The actual suitability depends on ore mineralogy, leaching conditions, copper concentration, and impurity composition. Laboratory solvent extraction tests are recommended to evaluate extraction performance, phase behavior, and process compatibility before industrial application.
Q2. How does PANDA860 compare with LIX84-I in copper extraction capacity and selectivity?
PANDA860 and LIX84-I are oxime-based copper extractants with similar application principles, but their performance characteristics may differ in copper loading capacity, extraction kinetics, impurity selectivity, and phase separation behavior. The optimal choice depends on the specific leach solution chemistry and plant requirements. Comparative laboratory testing, including extraction isotherms, stripping tests, and impurity analysis, can help determine the most suitable extractant system for copper hydrometallurgical operations.
Q3. How does PANDA860 perform in copper leach solutions with high iron content?
PANDA860 can be evaluated for copper extraction from acidic leach solutions containing elevated iron concentrations. Maintaining copper selectivity against ferric and ferrous ions is an important consideration in solvent extraction circuit design. The actual iron transfer behavior depends on factors such as pH, oxidation conditions, aqueous chemistry, and operating control. Proper process optimization, including pH adjustment and impurity management, helps reduce unwanted iron loading in the organic phase and supports stable SX-EW operation.
Q4. What is the recommended pH operating range for PANDA860 copper extraction?
The suitable pH range for PANDA860 depends on the copper concentration, acid consumption, and impurity profile of the leach solution. pH control is critical because it affects copper extraction efficiency, impurity co-extraction, and stripping performance. Extremely acidic or unsuitable pH conditions may reduce extraction efficiency or increase unwanted metal transfer. Pilot testing and laboratory equilibrium studies are commonly used to determine the optimal operating window for each copper project.
Q5. Can PANDA860 be used in heap leaching–solvent extraction–electrowinning (SX-EW) copper processes?
PANDA860 is suitable for evaluation in copper heap leaching and SX-EW flowsheets where copper is recovered from acidic leach solutions. In these operations, the extractant transfers copper from the pregnant leach solution into the organic phase, followed by sulfuric acid stripping and electrowinning. Performance depends on copper grade, leach chemistry, impurity levels, and circuit configuration. Metallurgical testing is recommended to optimize organic composition, extraction stages, and stripping conditions for industrial implementation.
Q6. What diluent ratio and organic formulation are recommended for PANDA860?
PANDA860 is typically blended with hydrocarbon diluents such as kerosene to prepare the organic phase used in copper solvent extraction circuits. The appropriate extractant concentration and organic-to-aqueous ratio depend on copper concentration, extraction capacity requirements, and plant design parameters. Different mining operations may require customized formulations based on loading capacity, viscosity, phase separation performance, and stripping efficiency. Laboratory optimization is recommended before selecting the final operating composition.
Q7. How can the stripping process of PANDA860 be optimized in copper SX-EW operations?
The stripping performance of PANDA860 is influenced by sulfuric acid concentration, temperature, organic loading level, phase ratio, and contact time. In SX-EW plants, stripping conditions are optimized to efficiently transfer copper from the organic phase into the electrolyte while maintaining organic stability. Laboratory stripping tests and process simulations are commonly performed to determine suitable acid concentration and operating conditions for achieving stable copper recovery and consistent electrolyte quality.
Q8. How does PANDA860 perform under low-temperature copper extraction conditions?
Low-temperature environments may influence organic viscosity, mass transfer rate, and phase separation behavior during solvent extraction. PANDA860 performance under temperatures below approximately 15°C should be evaluated according to the specific operating conditions of the mine site. Laboratory testing can assess extraction kinetics, phase disengagement time, and organic physical properties to ensure reliable operation. Proper circuit design and operating control can help maintain stable performance in colder climates.
Q9. Can PANDA860 selectively recover copper from leach solutions containing manganese and zinc impurities?
PANDA860 can be evaluated for copper recovery from leach solutions containing common impurity ions such as manganese and zinc. Selective copper extraction is influenced by solution chemistry, impurity concentration, pH conditions, and extractant formulation. In complex leach systems, laboratory testing is important to determine copper selectivity, impurity transfer behavior, and stripping efficiency. Process optimization helps improve copper recovery while minimizing contamination of the electrolyte stream.
Q10. What factors should be considered when using PANDA860 in multi-stage counter-current copper extraction circuits?
Application of PANDA860 in multi-stage counter-current extraction circuits requires consideration of extraction kinetics, copper loading capacity, phase ratios, organic stability, and impurity management. The required number of extraction and stripping stages depends on copper concentration, target recovery, and solution characteristics. Engineering design is normally supported by laboratory equilibrium data, extraction isotherms, and pilot testing to determine suitable stage configuration and operating conditions for reliable industrial performance.