Syensqo created a solvent extraction modeling application to assist customers and engineering companies design and/or modify solvent circuits to meet operational goals. The application also enables rapid evaluation of circuit performance using the McCabe-Thiele techniques.
Talk with your local Syensqo representative to request access to the MINCHEM Modeling Application. Syensqo offers training services to familiarize new users with the modeling tool or a User Manual is available for reference.
MINCHEM application
MINCHEM is Syensqo's proprietary solvent extraction modeling application. MINCHEM gives users the ability to evaluate various circuit feed conditions, plant configurations, and reagent formulations. The program helps identify the optimum extractant for any circuit condition and choose the operating parameters on the plant that will achieve the best metallurgical results. The evaluations are based on McCabe-Thiele diagram construction using real or simulated isotherms.
Two main types of models can be evaluated using MINCHEM - Circuit Design and Circuit Analysis
Circuit Design Models
MINCHEM Design mode models allow the user to predict the Cu Recovery, Cu Transfer, and Net Transfer of a circuit given the following input variables:
- PLS Cu grade and pH
- Concentration and type of extractant
- Desired extract O/A ratio or PLS/Organic flowrates
- Lean electrolyte Cu concentration (gpl Cu) and acidity (gpl H2SO4)
- Rich electrolyte target (gpl Cu) or desired strip O/A ratio or electrolyte flowrate
- Circuit configuration
- Stage efficiency
Operators or metallurgists can use MINCHEM Circuit Design models to understand the impact of changes in feed conditions and make the correct operational changes to optimize the solvent extraction process.
Example:
Under the operating conditions provided, Cu Recovery is estimated at 96.69%, Cu Transfer is 69.61 ton/day and Net Transfer is 0.29 g/L Cu per vol%. The full McCabe-Thiele plot is available for each model.
Circuit Analysis Models
MINCHEM Analysis mode models allow the user to evaluate the performance of a solvent extraction circuit. Analysis of the aqueous and organic copper at the entrance and exit of each stage is obtained and then entered as the input to the model. MINCHEM calculates the stage efficiency and metallurgical O/A ratio to determine the efficiency and stability of the circuit.
Example:
| Stage | Aq IN Cu (g/L) | Aq OUT Cu (g/L) | Org IN Cu (g/L) | Org OUT Cu (g/L) |
| E1 | 3.00 | 0.99 | 2.63 | 4.74 |
| E2 | 0.99 | 0.08 | 1.68 | 2.63 |
| S1 | 37.02 | 47.75 | 4.74 | 2.17 |
| S2 | 35.00 | 37.02 | 2.17 | 1.68 |
Other Information:
- Concentration and type of extractant: 10 vol% ACORGA M5640
- PLS pH: 2.0
- Lean Electrolyte Acidity: 180 g/L H2SO4
