Recovering & Purifying Rare Earth Elements
Achieve more than 99.9% purity and over 90% metals recovery in a single modular process system.
A modular approach to expediting USA Rare Earth production, economically.
Separating and purifying rare earth elements (REEs) is notoriously complex, especially when dealing with lanthanide pairs—elements with nearly identical size and chemical properties.
Koch Modular provides a complete, U.S.-based modular extraction solution engineered to meet this challenge head-on. Our proven SCHEIBEL® extraction technology enables high-efficiency separation and recovery with 600+ mechanically agitated stages in a single system, achieving commercial-grade purities exceeding 99.9% while recovering over 90% of rare earth elements.
Pure Individual Rare Earth Products
Average Metals Recovery
Based Supply Chain
Achieve commercial-grade purity
and higher recovery at lower costs.
Recovering lanthanide pairs with low separation factors (β < 1.5) often requires 30–50+ theoretical stages to reach commercial-grade purity. Traditional separation methods, such as mixer-settlers, become cost-prohibitive and space-intensive beyond 20 stages, limiting their effectiveness.
This is where Koch Modular’s expertise in multistage solvent extraction provides a key advantage.
| Complex Separation | |
|---|---|
| Europium | Gadolinium |
| 95% Metals Recovery | |
| 1.1 Separation Factor |
|
| 40-50 Theoretical Stages | |
| Koch Modular Preferred Project |
|
| Simple Separation | |
|---|---|
| Cobalt | Nickel |
| 90% Metals Recovery | |
| 4.7 Separation Factor |
|
| 4-6 Theoretical Stages | |
| Traditional Mixer-Settler Project |
|
From Concept to Commercialization—One Integrated Partner
Unlike firms that only supply equipment or modeling software, Koch Modular delivers a comprehensive, start-to-finish REE separation solution encompassing the entire project life cycle. Our experts will work with you to provide the most economical solution to efficiently bring your project to life.
Advanced Modeling
Next-generation modeling system offering full pH, temperature, solubility, and phase prediction.
Pilot testing
On-site analysis using ICP-OES provides validated results in weeks, not months.
Technical Guidance
Our REE extraction experts ensure the selection of the most optimal extractants and diluents.
Project Delivery
Detailed engineering, procurement, and modular construction—all in-house.
Performance Guaranteed— Backed by
Pilot Data
Our pilot-to-plant program allows you to:
- Validate extraction performance before scale-up
- Optimize capacity (throughput) and agitated stage count
- Greatly reduce solvent use and improve recovery
- De-risk investment and secure process guarantees
We move fast—pilot test programs typically deliver validated results in weeks, not months.
Why REE Innovators Choose Koch Modular
- Over 220 modular systems delivered globally
- Technical expertise with REEs and battery materials.
- Single-source solution for advanced modeling, pilot testing detailed engineering, fabrication, and modular construction.
- Process Performance Guarantee backed by pilot testing data. ” Bold “Process Performance Guarantee.
| Feature | Koch Modular Process Systems | Conventional Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Agitated Stage Count | 600+ stages | 60 |
| Footprint for 60 theoretical stages | 14x26 ft | 100x500 ft |
| Technology | 6 SCHEIBEL® extraction columns | 60 Mixer-settlers |
| Fabrication | U.S.-built, modular | International (China centered) |
| Deployment Speed | Truckable modules, fast delivery | Long lead times |
| Solvent Inventory |  |
 |
| Average Cost | $$ | $$$ |