Figs. 13 and 14 show how the rate of the emulsion breakdown increases at higher electical field intensities. At high voltages;
there is a critical point;
above which the rate increases considerably. At the same field strength;
increasing frequencies yield a faster and more complex breakdown. After separating the phases;
the organic as well as the stripping phases can be recycled. The results of our experiments show that the LMT is suitable for a nearly complete and very selective metal recovery;
especially from solutions which contain very low metal concentrations. The extraction and emulsion breakdown can be carried out continuously;
and the expensive carrier;
organic solvent;
tenside and stripping phase can be recycled. Therefore;
it is expected that the LMT works economically and with a low environmental pollution. The financial support of the Federal Ministry of Research and Technology is greatly acknowledged;