A continuous Joule thermal mineral processing device and method

Abstract

This invention belongs to the technical field of mineral processing equipment, and relates to a continuous Joule thermal mineral processing device, comprising: a reaction tube, two graphite electrodes, a displacement component, a vacuum component, a power supply component, and a cooling component connected to the gas outlet for cooling gaseous metal to obtain metal powder. This invention uses the vacuum component to create a vacuum between the two graphite electrodes in the reaction tube, and applies voltage to the two graphite electrodes through the power supply component, forming a circuit between the two graphite electrodes and the mineral sample. The Joule heating generated by the current performs high-temperature evaporation treatment on the mineral sample to obtain gaseous metal, which is then cooled to obtain metal powder. This achieves the enrichment and separation of metals. Compared with existing processes, this invention reduces costs and energy consumption while accelerating the reaction speed, reducing production time, and improving production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of mineral processing equipment technology, and relates to a continuous Joule thermal mineral processing device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Existing metallurgical beneficiation methods mainly fall into three categories: pyrometallurgical reduction, hydrometallurgical reduction, and bioleaching. Pyrometallurgical reduction involves heating the concentrate at high temperatures to cause a chemical reaction between the metal oxides and a reducing agent, reducing the metal element to its elemental form. Hydrometallurgical reduction involves first leaching the target metal ions from the mineral with a solution, and then recovering the elemental metal or compound from the solution through a chemical reduction reaction. Bioleaching utilizes the metabolic activities of microorganisms to dissolve the target metal in the mineral into an ionic state, laying the foundation for subsequent metal extraction.

[0003] However, while the aforementioned processes can extract target metals from minerals and meet the basic needs of industrial production, they all suffer from significant drawbacks in practical applications, namely high cost and high energy consumption. Specifically: pyrometallurgical reduction processes rely on a high-temperature environment of 800-1600℃, requiring the consumption of large amounts of coke and electricity, resulting in high direct energy consumption. Furthermore, the construction, maintenance, and flue gas treatment costs of high-temperature equipment further increase the total cost. For wet reduction processes, on the one hand, large amounts of chemical reagents such as acids and alkalis are required to leach metal ions, necessitating significant investment in reagent procurement and subsequent wastewater treatment. On the other hand, the separation, purification, and reduction of metal ions in the leachate often require additional electricity or reducing agents, leading to a combination of energy consumption and material costs. While bioleaching processes do not require high temperatures or large amounts of chemical reagents, they rely on the metabolic activities of microorganisms to dissolve metals. The cultivation, proliferation, and metabolic processes of microorganisms are time-consuming, resulting in high equipment occupancy and low production efficiency, indirectly increasing time costs and equipment depreciation costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a continuous Joule thermal mineral processing device and method, which can reduce costs and energy consumption while accelerating the reaction speed, reducing the time required for production, and improving production efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows: A continuous Joule thermal mineral processing device includes: The reaction tube is inclined, with a feed inlet at the top and an air outlet and a discharge outlet at the bottom. The air outlet is located between the feed inlet and the discharge outlet. Two graphite electrodes are disposed inside the reaction tube and are located near both ends of the reaction tube, with each graphite electrode being slidably and sealed to the inner wall of the reaction tube. The displacement component is connected to two graphite electrodes and is used to move the two graphite electrodes inside the reaction tube to block or open the feed port and discharge port respectively. A vacuum assembly, connected to the outlet, is used to evacuate the reaction tube located between the two graphite electrodes after the inlet and outlet are blocked. The power supply component is connected to two graphite electrodes respectively, and is used to apply voltage to the two graphite electrodes to obtain gaseous metal; A cooling assembly, connected to the air outlet, is used to cool gaseous metal to obtain metal powder.

[0006] The invention is further characterized by: The vacuum components include: The gas supply pipe is connected to the gas outlet at one end. The vacuum pump has its input end connected to the other end of the gas delivery pipe.

[0007] The power supply components include: Two copper electrodes are respectively located at opposite ends of two graphite electrodes and outside the reaction tube. Each copper electrode is detachably connected to its corresponding graphite electrode, and the two copper electrodes are respectively connected to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply.

[0008] The cooling components include: A liquid nitrogen cold trap is installed below the gas pipeline; The collection tube is connected at one end to the liquid nitrogen cold trap and at the other end to the gas delivery tube.

[0009] A metal filter screen is installed inside the air outlet.

[0010] The reaction tube is equipped with a feed funnel at the top, the lower end of which is connected to the feed inlet. The reaction tube is equipped with a discharge pipe at the bottom, the upper end of which is connected to the discharge outlet, and the lower end of which is connected to a collection box.

[0011] The feed hopper is equipped with a vibrator.

[0012] The reaction tube is either a quartz tube or a ceramic tube.

[0013] A continuous Joule thermal mineral processing method, characterized by comprising the following steps: The mineral particles are pre-immersed in a weak acid solution, and then a certain proportion of carbonaceous reducing agent is used to uniformly mix the pre-immersed mineral particles to form compound mineral particles. Use the displacement component to adjust the position of the two graphite electrodes so that the feed port is opened and the discharge port is blocked. Add the compound mineral particles into the reaction tube from the feed port. Then use the displacement component to adjust the upper graphite electrode so that the feed port is blocked. The air in the reaction tube is purged using a vacuum assembly to create a vacuum environment. Then, the two graphite electrodes are adjusted using a displacement assembly to compress the compound mineral particles and bring them closer to the air outlet. A power supply component is used to apply voltage to two graphite electrodes, so that the two graphite electrodes and the mixed mineral particles form a circuit. The mineral is then subjected to high-temperature evaporation treatment by the Joule heat generated by the current to obtain gaseous metal. The gaseous metal is introduced into the cooling component for cooling to obtain metal powder. After the gaseous metal is cooled, the discharge port is opened to discharge the residue. The above steps are repeated for continuous production.

[0014] When the power supply component is used to apply voltage to the two graphite electrodes, different voltages are applied from low to high, so that different metal elements in the complex mineral particles can be extracted in stages.

[0015] The continuous Joule thermal mineral processing apparatus and method of the present invention have the following advantages: This invention uses a vacuum assembly to evacuate the reaction tube located between two graphite electrodes, and applies voltage to the two graphite electrodes through a power supply assembly, so that the two graphite electrodes and the mineral sample form a circuit. The Joule heating generated by the current performs high-temperature evaporation treatment on the mineral sample to obtain gaseous metal. After cooling the gaseous metal, metal powder is obtained, which realizes the enrichment and separation of metal. Compared with existing processes, it can reduce costs and energy consumption, while accelerating the reaction speed, reducing the production time required, and improving production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0017] Figure label: 1. Reaction tube, 2. Copper electrode, 3. Graphite electrode, 4. Feed funnel, 5. Gas delivery pipe, 6. Discharge pipe, 7. Liquid nitrogen cold trap, 8. Vacuum pump, 9. Collection pipe, 10. Support, 11. Shaker, 12. Three-way valve, 13. Metal filter screen, 14. Feed inlet, 15. Gas outlet, 16. Discharge outlet, 17. Collection box. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the present invention will now be described clearly and in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in the text is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, "multiple" refers to two or more. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as implying or suggesting relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, this invention provides a continuous Joule thermal mineral processing device, including a reaction tube 1, two graphite electrodes 3, a displacement assembly, a vacuum assembly, a power supply assembly, and a cooling assembly. The reaction tube 1 is inclined, with a feed inlet 13 at the upper part and an outlet 14 and a discharge outlet 15 at the lower part. The outlet 14 is located between the feed inlet 13 and the discharge outlet 15. The two graphite electrodes 3 are disposed inside the reaction tube 1, respectively close to both ends of the reaction tube 1. Each graphite electrode 3 is slidably sealed to the inner wall of the reaction tube 1, so that a sealed environment can be formed at the position between the two graphite electrodes 3 inside the reaction tube 1. The displacement assembly and the two graphite electrodes... The electrode 3 is connected to the displacement component, which is used to move the two graphite electrodes 3 within the reaction tube 1, respectively blocking or opening the feed port 13 and the discharge port 15. The vacuum component is connected to the gas outlet 14, which is used to evacuate the position of the reaction tube 1 between the two graphite electrodes 3 after the feed port 13 and the discharge port 15 are blocked. The power supply component is connected to the two graphite electrodes 3, which is used to apply voltage to the two graphite electrodes 3, so that the two graphite electrodes 3 and the mineral sample form a circuit. The Joule heat generated by the current is used to perform high-temperature evaporation treatment on the mineral sample to obtain gaseous metal. The cooling component is connected to the gas outlet 14, which is used to cool the gaseous metal to obtain metal powder. This invention uses a vacuum assembly to evacuate the reaction tube 1 located between two graphite electrodes 3, and applies voltage to the two graphite electrodes 3 through a power supply assembly, so that the two graphite electrodes 3 and the mineral sample form a circuit. The Joule heating generated by the current performs high-temperature evaporation treatment on the mineral sample to obtain gaseous metal. After cooling the gaseous metal, metal powder is obtained, which realizes the enrichment and separation of metal. Compared with existing processes, it can reduce costs and energy consumption, while accelerating the reaction speed, reducing the production time required, and improving production efficiency.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, a support 10 is provided at the lower part of the reaction tube 1, and the reaction tube 1 is tilted by the support 10.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the displacement assembly includes a lead screw, two sliders, and a motor. The lead screw is positioned on one side of the reaction tube 1 and is parallel to it. Both ends of the lead screw are rotatably connected to a support 10. The motor is mounted on the support 10 near one end of the lead screw, and its output end is connected to the end of the lead screw. The opposing ends of the two graphite electrodes 3 are located outside the reaction tube 1. The two sliders are positioned on the sides of the two graphite electrodes 3 and near their opposing ends. The sliders are close to the lead screw, which passes through each slider. The lead screw is threaded into each slider with opposite thread directions, facilitating the movement of the sliders towards or away from each other by rotating the lead screw. When the motor is started, it rotates the lead screw, causing the two sliders to move towards or away from each other. The two sliders then move the two graphite electrodes 3 towards or away from each other within the reaction tube 1.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the vacuum assembly includes a gas supply pipe 5 and a vacuum pump 8. One end of the gas supply pipe 5 is connected to the gas outlet 14, and the input end of the vacuum pump 8 is connected to the other end of the gas supply pipe 5.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the power supply assembly includes two copper electrodes 2, which are respectively disposed at opposite ends of two graphite electrodes 3. The two copper electrodes 2 are located outside the reaction tube 1. A limiter is provided at the position of the graphite electrode 3 near the copper electrode 2 to prevent the copper electrode 2 from entering the reaction tube 1. Each copper electrode 2 is detachably connected to the corresponding graphite electrode 3, preferably by a threaded connection. The two copper electrodes 2 are respectively connected to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply. like Figure 1 As shown, the cooling assembly includes a liquid nitrogen cold trap 7 and a collection pipe 9. The liquid nitrogen cold trap 7 is located below the gas supply pipe 5. One end of the collection pipe 9 is connected to the liquid nitrogen cold trap 7, and the other end of the collection pipe 9 is connected to the other end of the gas supply pipe 5. The end of the gas supply pipe 5, the end of the collection pipe 9, and the input end of the vacuum pump 8 are connected through a three-way valve.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, a metal filter 12 is installed inside the air outlet 14 to prevent mineral samples from entering the air outlet 14.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, a feed funnel 4 is provided above the reaction tube 1, and the lower end of the feed funnel 4 is connected to the feed port 13. A discharge pipe 6 is provided below the reaction tube 1, and the upper end of the discharge pipe 6 is connected to the discharge port 15. A collection box 16 is connected to the lower end of the discharge pipe 6.

[0026] like Figure 1As shown, a vibrator 11 is provided on the feed hopper 4. The vibrator 11 is used to make the feed hopper 4 vibrate, so as to avoid clogging the feed hopper 4.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, reaction tube 1 is a quartz tube or a ceramic tube.

[0028] The present invention also provides a continuous Joule thermal mineral processing method, which uses the above-mentioned apparatus and includes the following steps: The mineral particles are pre-immersed in a weak acid solution, and then a certain proportion of carbonaceous reducing agent is used to uniformly mix the pre-immersed mineral particles to form compound mineral particles. The position of the two graphite electrodes 3 is adjusted by using the displacement component to open the feed port 13 and block the discharge port 15. The compound mineral particles are added into the reaction tube 1 from the feed port 13. Then the upper graphite electrode 3 is adjusted by using the displacement component to block the feed port 13. The air in the reaction tube 1 is purged using a vacuum assembly to create a vacuum environment. Then, the two graphite electrodes 3 are adjusted using a displacement assembly to compress the compound mineral particles and make the position of the compound mineral particles close to the air outlet 14. A voltage is applied to the two graphite electrodes 3 using a power supply assembly, so that the two graphite electrodes 3 form a circuit with the mixed mineral particles. The mineral is then subjected to high-temperature evaporation treatment by the Joule heat generated by the current to obtain gaseous metal. The gaseous metal is introduced into the cooling component for cooling to obtain metal powder. After the gaseous metal is cooled, the discharge port 15 is opened to discharge the residue. The above steps are repeated for continuous production.

[0029] When applying voltage to the two graphite electrodes 3 using the power supply assembly, different voltages are applied from low to high, enabling the different metal elements in the mixed mineral particles to be extracted in stages.

[0030] The weak acid solution is either acetic acid or carbonic acid.

[0031] The carbonaceous reducing agent is either coke or anthracite.

[0032] The reducing agent is mixed with the pre-impregnated mineral particles by one of mechanical grinding, magnetic stirring or planetary ball milling, and the mixing time is 2 to 10 hours.

[0033] When using a vacuum assembly to purge the air from the reaction tube 1 to create a vacuum environment, an inert gas environment can also be used. An inert gas is introduced into the reaction tube 1 to prevent the reduction of the metal from oxidizing. The inert gas is one or more of nitrogen and argon.

[0034] Working principle: Mineral particles are pre-impregnated in a weak acid solution. A certain proportion of carbonaceous reducing agent is then used to uniformly mix the pre-impregnated mineral particles for 2-10 hours to form a compound mineral particle. The position of the two graphite electrodes 3 is adjusted using a displacement component, causing them to move in opposite directions. The feed inlet 13 is opened, while the discharge outlet 15 remains blocked, thus connecting the feed funnel 4 to the reaction tube 1 and disconnecting the discharge pipe 6 from the reaction tube 1. The oscillator 11 is started, and the compound mineral particles are added to the reaction tube 1 from the feed funnel 4. The displacement component is then used to adjust the two graphite electrodes 3 again, causing them to move towards each other, blocking the feed inlet 13 and maintaining the blockage of the discharge outlet 15. A three-way valve connects the vacuum pump 8 to the gas supply pipe 5, and the vacuum pump 8 is started to purge the air from the reaction tube 1, creating a vacuum environment. The vacuum pump 8 and the gas supply pipe 5 are then closed. The two graphite electrodes 3 are then connected and adjusted using a displacement component to move them toward each other, compressing the compound mineral particles and bringing them closer to the gas outlet 14. Power is then applied to the two graphite electrodes 3, creating a circuit between them and the compound mineral particles. The minerals are then subjected to high-temperature evaporation using Joule heating generated by the current to obtain gaseous metal. A three-way valve connects the collection pipe 9 to the gas delivery pipe 5, and the gaseous metal is cooled in a liquid nitrogen cold trap 7 using a vacuum pressure difference. Metal powder is collected. After the gaseous metal has cooled, the two graphite electrodes 3 are adjusted using a displacement component to move them in opposite directions until the discharge port 15 opens. The discharge pipe 6 connects to the reaction pipe 1, and the residue enters the collection box 16 through the discharge pipe 6. The above steps are repeated for continuous production.

[0035] The continuous Joule thermal mineral processing apparatus and method of the present invention have the following other advantages: First, this invention features rapid response, short production cycle, and environmental friendliness. It also enables continuous production with a large production capacity.

[0036] Secondly, the present invention applies different voltages from low to high to two graphite electrodes through a power supply component, enabling the extraction of different metal elements in the complex mineral particles in a stepwise manner, thereby achieving the extraction of a single metal.

[0037] It is understood that this invention has been described through some embodiments, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Furthermore, under the teachings of this invention, these features and embodiments can be modified to adapt to specific situations and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this invention are within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A continuous Joule thermal mineral processing device, characterized in that, include: The reaction tube (1) is inclined. The upper part of the reaction tube (1) is provided with a feed inlet (13), and the lower part of the reaction tube (1) is provided with an air outlet (14) and a discharge outlet (15). The air outlet (14) is located between the feed inlet (13) and the discharge outlet (15). Two graphite electrodes (3) are disposed inside the reaction tube (1) and are respectively close to both ends of the reaction tube (1). Each graphite electrode (3) is slidably and sealed to the inner wall of the reaction tube (1). The displacement component is connected to two graphite electrodes (3) and is used to drive the two graphite electrodes (3) to move in the reaction tube (1) to block or open the feed port (13) and the discharge port (15) respectively. A vacuum assembly, connected to the outlet (14), is used to evacuate the reaction tube (1) between the two graphite electrodes (3) after the inlet (13) and outlet (15) are blocked. The power supply assembly is connected to two graphite electrodes (3) respectively, and is used to apply voltage to the two graphite electrodes (3) to obtain gaseous metal; A cooling assembly, connected to the air outlet (14), is used to cool gaseous metal to obtain metal powder; The vacuum assembly includes: The gas supply pipe (5) is connected at one end to the gas outlet (14); The vacuum pump (8) has its input end connected to the other end of the gas delivery pipe (5); The power supply component includes: Two copper electrodes (2) are respectively set at opposite ends of two graphite electrodes (3) and are located outside the reaction tube (1). Each copper electrode (2) is detachably connected to the corresponding graphite electrode (3). The two copper electrodes (2) are respectively connected to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply. The cooling assembly includes: A liquid nitrogen cold trap (7) is located below the gas transmission pipe (5); The collection tube (9) is connected at one end to the liquid nitrogen cold trap (7), and the other end of the collection tube (9) is connected to the other end of the gas delivery tube (5); A feed funnel (4) is provided above the reaction tube (1), and the lower end of the feed funnel (4) is connected to the feed inlet (13). A discharge pipe (6) is provided below the reaction tube (1), and the upper end of the discharge pipe (6) is connected to the discharge port (15). A collection box (16) is connected to the lower end of the discharge pipe (6).

2. The continuous Joule thermal mineral processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A metal filter (12) is provided inside the air outlet (14).

3. The continuous Joule thermal mineral processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feed hopper (4) is equipped with an oscillator (11).

4. The continuous Joule thermal mineral processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reaction tube (1) is a quartz tube or a ceramic tube.

5. A continuous Joule thermal mineral processing method, characterized in that, The apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 4 comprises the following steps: The mineral particles are pre-immersed in a weak acid solution, and then a certain proportion of carbonaceous reducing agent is used to uniformly mix the pre-immersed mineral particles to form compound mineral particles. Use the displacement assembly to adjust the position of the two graphite electrodes (3) so that the feed port (13) is opened and the discharge port (15) is blocked. Add the compound mineral particles from the feed port (13) into the reaction tube (1). Then use the displacement assembly to adjust the upper graphite electrode (3) so that the feed port (13) is blocked. The air in the reaction tube (1) is purged using a vacuum assembly to create a vacuum environment. Then, the two graphite electrodes (3) are adjusted using a displacement assembly to compress the compound mineral particles and make the position of the compound mineral particles close to the air outlet (14). The power supply component is used to apply voltage to the two graphite electrodes (3), so that the two graphite electrodes (3) form a circuit with the compound mineral particles, and the mineral is subjected to high-temperature evaporation treatment by the Joule heat generated by the current to obtain gaseous metal. The gaseous metal is introduced into the cooling assembly for cooling to obtain metal powder. After the gaseous metal is cooled, the discharge port (15) is opened to discharge the residue. The above steps are repeated for continuous production. When the power supply assembly is used to apply voltage to the two graphite electrodes (3), different voltages are applied from low to high so that different metal elements in the mixed mineral particles can be extracted in stages.

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