Tungsten and Molybdenum Separation – Selective Precipitation

Tungsten and molybdenum are similar elements, they both belong to VIB clan of elements periodic table, they have similar property. Tungsten and molybdenum separation has always been a difficult issue in tungsten and molybdenum concentrate metallurgy, and also a key process in beneficiation process.

With development of micro electronic technology and optical electric technology, high purity tungsten (99.999%) is required in industry. Common used molybdenum elimination method such as extraction method, precipitation method, ion exchange method can no longer meet requirement. It also has shortcomings of long process, severe pollution, waste tungsten. For a long time, separation of tungsten and molybdenum are studied and researched until precipitation method comes into being.

There are three main steps of precipitation method: 1)Sulfuration. 2)Precipitation and elimination of molybdenum. 3)Subsequent purifying process. Among which precipitation and elimination of molybdenum is key process. Proper precipitant is even important. Common used precipitants are CuS, FeS, CoS, NiS, PbS, ZnS, HgS and so on.

Precipitation method has advantages of short process, simple method, high purification efficiency and environmental friendly. Although it is not perfect, it has been proved to be an effective method for eliminating molybdenum and reduce waste water, waste gas and waste subsidy emission.

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