Fixed-bed columns mathematical modeling for selective nickel and copper recovery from industrial spent acids by chelating resins

Spent acid streams generated in industry containing high concentrations of heavy metals are potential secondary sources raw materials. Chelating resins excellent candidates to recover valuable from complex mixtures at very low pH conditions. In particular, previous works reported recoveries nickel and copper real industrial acids (3400 mg Cu2+ L−1, 8700 Ni2+ L−1 24000 Fe L−1) using commercial bis-picolyamine (BPA)-based resins. this work, adsorption desorption two in-series fixed-bed columns with BPA have been proposed carry out the selective independent separation recovery copper. Under selected operating conditions, it was possible 90% 80% present problem solution. A mathematical model based on mass transfer developed order describe stages. Adsorption chemical reactions were modeled as equilibrium reactions, fitting Langmuir’s Freundlich’s isotherms for respectively. The both fitted into first reactions. Finally, kinetic constants kde=0.81 kgdryresin h−1 kde=1.10 estimated software Aspen Custom modeler. predicted values agreed experimental data.