Leaching (metallurgy): Difference between revisions
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:2ZnS + O<sub>2</sub> + 2H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> → 2ZnSO<sub>4</sub> + 2H<sub>2</sub>O + 2S |
:2ZnS + O<sub>2</sub> + 2H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> → 2ZnSO<sub>4</sub> + 2H<sub>2</sub>O + 2S |
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This reaction proceeds at |
This reaction proceeds at temperatures above the [[boiling point]] of water, thus creating a [[vapor pressure]] inside the vessel. Oxygen is injected under pressure, making the total pressure in the autoclave more than 0.6 M[[Pascal (unit)|Pa]] and temperature at 473-523 K . |
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The leaching of [[precious metals]] such as [[gold]] can be carried out with cyanide or [[ozone]] under mild conditions.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=J. Viñals |author2=E. Juan |author3=M. Ruiz |author4=E. Ferrando |author5=M. Cruells |author6=A. Roca |author7=J. Casado |title=Leaching of gold and palladium with aqueous ozone in dilute chloride media |journal=Hydrometallurgy |
The leaching of [[precious metals]] such as [[gold]] can be carried out with cyanide or [[ozone]] under mild conditions.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=J. Viñals |author2=E. Juan |author3=M. Ruiz |author4=E. Ferrando |author5=M. Cruells |author6=A. Roca |author7=J. Casado |title=Leaching of gold and palladium with aqueous ozone in dilute chloride media |journal=Hydrometallurgy |
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Revision as of 14:37, 30 May 2019
Leaching is a process widely used in extractive metallurgy where ore is treated with chemicals to convert the valuable metals within into soluble salts. These can then be washed out and processed to give the pure metal; the material left over is commonly referred to as tailings. Compared to pyrometallurgy leaching is easier to perform, requires less energy and is potentially much less harmful as no gaseous pollution occurs. Drawbacks of leaching include its lower efficiency and the often significant quantities of waste effluent and tailings produced, which are usually either highly acidic or alkali and are often toxic (e.g. Red mud).
Chemistry
Leaching is done in long pressure vessels which are cylindrical (horizontal or vertical) or of horizontal tube form known as autoclaves. A good example of the autoclave leach process can also be found in the metallurgy of zinc. It is best described by the following chemical reaction:
- 2ZnS + O2 + 2H2SO4 → 2ZnSO4 + 2H2O + 2S
This reaction proceeds at temperatures above the boiling point of water, thus creating a vapor pressure inside the vessel. Oxygen is injected under pressure, making the total pressure in the autoclave more than 0.6 MPa and temperature at 473-523 K .
The leaching of precious metals such as gold can be carried out with cyanide or ozone under mild conditions.[1]
See also
References
- ^ J. Viñals; E. Juan; M. Ruiz; E. Ferrando; M. Cruells; A. Roca; J. Casado (February 2006). "Leaching of gold and palladium with aqueous ozone in dilute chloride media". Hydrometallurgy. 81 (2): 142–151. doi:10.1016/j.hydromet.2005.12.004. Archived from the original on 2013-02-02.
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