Rare Earth Solvent Extraction Cell and Process

A mixer impeller for a mixer of a solvent extraction (SX) cell comprising:

• a. an upper disk, having a mixer impeller diameter d, comprising at least one recirculation opening;
• b. a plurality of vanes, extending away from the upper disk to a lower opening inlet of the mixer impeller;
• c. a distance between the upper disk and the lower opening defining a mixer impeller height h,
• wherein a mixer impeller ratio of h/d is greater than 1.

An automated interface regulator for a solvent extraction (SX) cell comprising:

• a. a settler, comprising an aqueous take off divider having an open bottom portion and an adjustable interface regulator;
• b. one or more interface detection sensor adapted to identify at least an interface between an aqueous layer surface and emulsion layer in the settler;
• c. an automatic interface regulator control, adapted to adjust a height of the adjustable interface regulator responsive at least to the one or more interface detection sensor;
• and
• d. a mixer, operatively connected with the settler.

A water seal for a battery of solvent extraction (SX) cells comprising:

• a. a plurality of mixers and settlers operatively connected;
• b. a trough, extending around an outer perimeter of an outer wall of the battery, the trough adapted to contain a level of water;
• c. a lid having serrated edge extending around a perimeter of the lid, the edge adapted to sit in the trough,
• wherein the water seal is formed between the lid and the outer wall.

A battery of solvent extraction (SX) cells comprising:

• a. a plurality of mixers and a plurality of settlers operatively connected in a modular layout;
• b. at least one shared wall between adjacent solvent extraction cells;
• and
• c. at least one internal flow channel between the operatively connected solvent extraction cells.