FRP for Solvent Extraction (SX-EW)
Mixer-settlers, electrolyte tanks, covers and pond equipment — proven across the world’s SX-EW circuits.
Copper, cobalt and nickel SX-EW is one of Crimar’s deepest specialties. For over 25 years we have supplied FRP mixer-settlers, electrolyte and raffinate tanks, launders, covers, piping and pond equipment to solvent-extraction circuits worldwide — for clients including Freeport-McMoRan, Glencore, CODELCO, Outotec, Technip/Areva, Aker Solutions and SNC-Lavalin.
The challenge
The SX circuit is brutal on equipment. Organic diluents and extractants, sulfuric acid, acid mist and elevated temperatures attack metals and degrade poorly-specified plastics. Settlers and ponds are large, tankhouses run continuously, and any loss of organic or electrolyte is costly and hazardous.
How Crimar helps
We engineer FRP specifically for SX-EW service — resin systems chosen for organic and acid resistance, and laminates proven in mixers, settlers and electrowinning. Our filament-winding facility in Hermosillo, Mexico winds vessels up to 7 m diameter, and we field-fabricate the largest settlers and ponds directly on site.
What we supply
- Mixer-settler, electrolyte & raffinate tanks
- Settler & launder covers
- Acid-mist scrubbers
- Interconnecting FRP piping
- Pump barges, floating walkways & pipe floats — 70+ barges, 200+ walkway sections and 100+ pipe floats supplied to date
Materials & construction
SX-EW laminates are built from epoxy vinyl ester and isophthalic polyester with corrosion barriers and surfacing veils selected for organic and sulfuric-acid resistance. Constructions are engineered for the mechanical loads of large settlers and for on-site assembly.
Standards
- ASME RTP-1
- ASTM D3299 / D4097
- Third-party inspection on request
Representative projects
A selection of projects that reflect our experience in this sector:
- 125 FRP tanks plus piping and a 25′ clarifier — CalEnergy zinc-recovery SX-EW, California
- FRP tanks — FMI Sierrita SX plant, Arizona
- 98 FRP vessels — FMI PTMMR project, Indonesia
- Outotec SX-EW plant, Spain
- SNC-Lavalin Ambatovy project, Madagascar
- Technip/Areva McLean Lake, Saskatchewan
- Mineral Park settler repair & new mix tank, Arizona