Metal solvent extraction
ExxonMobil has decades of expertise in developing and choosing the right diluent for the solvent extraction (SX) of metals from minerals.
The Escaid™ fluids portfolio features product grades with low viscosities, high flash points and low evaporation rates specifically designed for solvent extraction mining and battery recycling operations. This versatility offers the right balance of good flow and phase separation with minimal diluent losses, and reduced fire risk relative to high flash kerosene alternatives. Escaid diluents with low aromatic content and high flash points pose low risk to worker safety and are readily biodegradable and not expected to cause toxic effects in the environment.
Key potential benefits of using Escaid™ diluents in SX
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Fast separation phase
- Low interaction with the acid solution
- Limited crud formation
- Lower density vs. high flash kerosene
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Cost effectiveness to refill
- Limited evaporation rate due to high boiling point
- Reduced extractant losses versus high flash kerosene
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Mitigated risk of disruption in the extraction process
- Limited properties’ variation irrespective of the evaporation loss
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Safe operations and comfortable working environment
- Mitigated fire risk
- High occupational exposure limits
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Reliable regional supply
- Global network of world-scale integrated production plants
- Robust regional supply networks
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Lithium-ion battery recycling
Escaid™ can support raw material suppliers, EV battery manufacturers and recyclers in their efforts to produce, recover and recycle lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese via solvent extraction processes.
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High-performance diluents for metal extraction
Escaid™ diluents are used in metal extraction. They provide higher flash point, lower vapor pressure and much lower aromatic content to the mining industry compared to traditional kerosene extraction diluents. Main metals extracted include copper, nickel and uranium. Escaid diluents are available in Escaid™ 110, Escaid™ 115 and Escaid™ 120.
