The preparation of concentrated solutions of oxime metal extractants, such as
aldoximes and ketoximes, or mixtures of aldoxime and ketoxime, and the use thereof
in formulating or preparing extraction reagent compositions for use in an extractant
organic phase in a process of extracting metals from aqueous solutions containing
metal values; and in particular, to concentrates which are solutions of individual
ketoxime or aldoxime or mixtures of water-insoluble hydroxy aldoximes and ketoximes,
in varying ratios by weight of 1:100 aldoxime to ketoxime, or conversely, 100:1
ketoxime to aldoxime, in water-immiscible hydrocarbon solvents or equilibrium modifiers.
The invention also provides for maintaining stability of concentrates determined
by accelerating rate calorimetry to define the ranges of oxime concentration and
volume whereby the concentrate will be a stable, flowable, pourable and pumpable
concentrate which can be safely stored long term. The extraction compositions may
also optionally contain equilibrium modifiers or kinetic additives.