Automatic pH adjusting system based on concentrated sulfuric acid addition

By designing an automated concentrated sulfuric acid addition system, the problems of inaccurate concentrated sulfuric acid addition and pipeline corrosion were solved, enabling precise adjustment and uniform distribution of slurry pH value, improving the efficiency and safety of sulfur flotation, and reducing equipment maintenance costs.

CN223828002UActive Publication Date: 2026-01-23鹤庆北衙矿业有限公司
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520568917.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-28
Publication Date
2026-01-23
Estimated Expiration
2035-03-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing methods of adding concentrated sulfuric acid in sulfur flotation processes have problems such as inaccurate control of the amount of concentrated sulfuric acid added, rapid pipeline corrosion, local overheating, and safety hazards, which affect the timeliness of pH adjustment and the efficiency of sulfur flotation.

Method used

Design an automatic pH adjustment system based on the addition of concentrated sulfuric acid. The system uses an automatic delivery system and an electric valve to control the flow rate of concentrated sulfuric acid, combined with pH detection to achieve precise adjustment. The concentrated sulfuric acid is evenly distributed through a ring pipe and multiple delivery pipes, and a backup delivery pipeline is provided to improve system reliability.

Benefits of technology

It enables precise adjustment of pulp pH, avoids local overheating and loss of xanthate performance, improves the efficiency and safety of sulfur flotation, reduces equipment maintenance costs, and enhances the continuity and automation of production.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to an automatic pH regulating system based on concentrated sulfuric acid addition, which comprises an acid storage barrel and a stirring barrel, a stirring mechanism is arranged in the center of the stirring barrel, the acid storage barrel is communicated with the stirring barrel through an automatic conveying system, and the automatic conveying system comprises a first conveying pipe, a second conveying pipe and a third conveying pipe which are sequentially connected. The first conveying pipe is provided with a first electric valve, the second conveying pipe is sequentially provided with a first flow meter and a second electric valve, the third conveying pipe is an annular pipe surrounding the stirring mechanism, the annular pipe is communicated with at least three fourth conveying pipes in an annular array mode, and each fourth conveying pipe is provided with a third electric valve; a pH detector is mounted on the stirring barrel; the first electric valve, the second electric valve, the third electric valve, the first flow meter and the pH detector are electrically connected with the controller. According to the system, accurate adjustment of the pH value of the ore pulp is achieved through automatic control and real-time feedback, and it is ensured that the pH value of the sulfur flotation ore pulp is always within the optimal range.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of slurry pH adjustment technology, specifically to an automatic pH adjustment system based on the addition of concentrated sulfuric acid. Background Technology

[0002] In sulfur flotation processes, concentrated sulfuric acid, as a key activator and pH adjuster, is widely used to regulate the pH of the pulp to achieve optimal sulfur activation and the performance of sulfur collectors (such as xanthates). In typical copper flotation processes, a large amount of lime slurry is usually added to the pulp to raise the pH to 10-11, thereby inhibiting sulfur flotation. However, when the pulp enters the sulfur flotation stage, the pH needs to be adjusted to 7-8 to ensure optimal sulfur activation and xanthate collection.

[0003] In actual production, there are several problems with the method of adding concentrated sulfuric acid. Currently, concentrated sulfuric acid is usually stored in storage tanks, with the flow rate controlled by a manual ball valve, and then flows by gravity through carbon steel pipelines to the sulfur flotation slurry mixing tank based on the elevation difference. This method of addition has the following drawbacks:

[0004] (1) The control of concentrated sulfuric acid addition is crude: relying solely on manual ball valves and flow meter readings to adjust the amount of concentrated sulfuric acid added makes it difficult to achieve precise control. The pH value of the slurry is also detected by manually sampling and using pH test paper. The detection process is delayed and cannot reflect the actual acidity or alkalinity of the slurry in a timely manner, resulting in untimely pH adjustment and negatively impacting production indicators.

[0005] (2) The pipeline is susceptible to corrosion, which affects its service life: The pipeline is made of carbon steel and is about 300 meters long. The service life of carbon steel pipeline is short due to the corrosion of concentrated sulfuric acid, and there is no spare pipeline on site, which poses a great safety and environmental hazard.

[0006] (3) Problem of mixing concentrated sulfuric acid with slurry: Concentrated sulfuric acid enters the sulfur flotation slurry mixing tank from a single inlet, resulting in a large instantaneous flow rate. This causes a large amount of heat to be released at the contact point between the concentrated sulfuric acid and the slurry, volatile toxic gases are released, and the local pH value of the slurry drops rapidly, affecting the optimal pH range (7-10) for xanthate use, leading to loss of xanthate function and thus reducing the sulfur recovery rate.

[0007] In summary, existing methods for adding concentrated sulfuric acid and adjusting pulp pH have many shortcomings, severely impacting the efficiency and safety of the sulfur flotation process. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an improved automatic pH adjustment system based on the addition of concentrated sulfuric acid to achieve precise control, extend equipment lifespan, ensure operational safety, and optimize the production results of the sulfur flotation process. Utility Model Content

[0008] This invention provides an automatic pH adjustment system based on the addition of concentrated sulfuric acid.

[0009] The specific technical solution is as follows: an automatic pH adjustment system based on the addition of concentrated sulfuric acid, comprising an acid storage tank and a stirring tank. A stirring mechanism is provided at the center of the stirring tank. The acid storage tank and the stirring tank are connected by an automatic conveying system. The automatic conveying system includes a first conveying pipe, a second conveying pipe, and a third conveying pipe connected in sequence. A first electric valve is installed on the first conveying pipe. A first flow meter and a second electric valve are installed in sequence on the second conveying pipe. The third conveying pipe is an annular pipe surrounding the stirring mechanism, and at least three fourth conveying pipes are connected in a circular array on the annular pipe. Each of the fourth conveying pipes is equipped with a third electric valve. A pH detector is installed on the stirring tank. The first electric valve, the second electric valve, the third electric valve, the first flow meter, and the pH detector are all electrically connected to a controller.

[0010] Furthermore, preferably, it also includes a backup delivery pipe, which is connected in parallel with the second delivery pipe and between the first delivery pipe and the third delivery pipe; a fourth electric valve and a fifth electric valve are respectively installed at the junction of the second delivery pipe and the backup delivery pipe, and a second flow meter and a sixth electric valve are also installed sequentially on the backup delivery pipe, and the fourth electric valve, the fifth electric valve, the second flow meter and the sixth electric valve are all electrically connected to the controller.

[0011] Furthermore, preferably, the first conveying pipe, the second conveying pipe, the third conveying pipe, the fourth conveying pipe and the spare conveying pipe are all lined with a polytetrafluoroethylene anti-corrosion layer.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This system achieves precise adjustment of the slurry pH value through automated control and real-time feedback, ensuring that the pH value of the sulfur flotation slurry is always within the optimal range. Simultaneously, concentrated sulfuric acid is evenly distributed into the mixing tank through a circular pipe and multiple fourth-level delivery pipes, avoiding the drawbacks of localized overheating and rapid pH changes, thus maintaining the xanthate's optimal performance and improving the efficiency and product quality of the sulfur flotation process. Furthermore, the system's backup delivery pipeline design effectively improves the continuity and reliability of production, reducing downtime caused by equipment failure. Overall, this system achieves intelligent and automated operation, reduces manual intervention, improves the level of automation and efficiency of production, overcomes many problems of traditional processes, and has significant economic and environmental benefits. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a front view of an automatic pH adjustment system based on the addition of concentrated sulfuric acid according to this utility model;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a top view of an automatic pH adjustment system based on the addition of concentrated sulfuric acid according to this utility model;

[0015] In the diagram: 1-Acid storage tank; 2-Agitator tank; 21-Agitator mechanism; 31-First delivery pipe; 32-Second delivery pipe; 33-Third delivery pipe; 34-Fourth delivery pipe; 35-Spare delivery pipe; 41-First electric valve; 42-Second electric valve; 43-Third electric valve; 44-Fourth electric valve; 45-Fifth electric valve; 46-Sixth electric valve; 51-First flow meter; 52-Second flow meter; 6-Controller; 7-pH meter. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the technical problems and solutions solved by this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0017] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0018] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0019] like Figure 1 Figure 2As shown, an automatic pH adjustment system based on the addition of concentrated sulfuric acid includes an acid storage tank 1 and a stirring tank 2. A stirring mechanism 21 is located at the center of the stirring tank 2, which is a conventional configuration. The acid storage tank 1 and the stirring tank 2 are connected by an automatic conveying system. The automatic conveying system includes a first conveying pipe 31, a second conveying pipe 32, and a third conveying pipe 33 connected in sequence. A first electric valve 41 is installed on the first conveying pipe 31. A first flow meter 51 and a second electric valve 42 are installed in sequence on the second conveying pipe 32. The third conveying pipe 33 is an annular pipe surrounding the stirring mechanism 21, and at least three fourth conveying pipes 34 are connected in a circular array on the annular pipe. Each of the fourth conveying pipes 34 is equipped with a third electric valve 43. A pH meter 7 is installed on the stirring tank 2. The first electric valve 41, the second electric valve 42, the third electric valve 43, the first flow meter 51, and the pH meter 7 are all electrically connected to a controller 6.

[0020] Working principle: This system uses an automatic conveying system to transport concentrated sulfuric acid from storage tank 1 to stirring tank 2, adjusting the pH of the sulfur flotation slurry in stirring tank 2. Specific operations are as follows:

[0021] The controller 6 controls the opening of the first electric valve 41, the second electric valve 42, and multiple third electric valves 43, allowing concentrated sulfuric acid to flow sequentially into the mixing tank 2 through the first delivery pipe 31, the second delivery pipe 32, the third delivery pipe 33, and the fourth delivery pipe 34. During this process, the controller 6 automatically adjusts the opening of the first electric valve 41, the second electric valve 42, and the third electric valve 43 based on the deviation between the actual pH value fed back by the pH detector 7 and the preset pH target value (7-10), and in conjunction with the actual flow rate value fed back by the first flow meter 51. This precisely controls the amount of concentrated sulfuric acid added, ensuring that the pH value of the sulfur flotation slurry remains stable within the optimal range.

[0022] In addition, the third delivery pipe 33 is a circular annular pipe with multiple fourth delivery pipes 34 connected in a circular array on it. When concentrated sulfuric acid flows to the third delivery pipe 33, it is evenly distributed to different positions in the stirring tank 2 through the fourth delivery pipes 34 at different locations. This design can further ensure that the concentrated sulfuric acid is added evenly and dispersedly at a small flow rate, avoiding the problems of local overheating and rapid pH drop caused by the instantaneous addition of a large flow rate of concentrated sulfuric acid, thereby preventing the loss of xanthate function, ensuring the optimal performance of the sulfur collector xanthate, and improving the sulfur recovery rate.

[0023] To improve system reliability and safety, the system also includes a backup delivery pipe 35, which is connected in parallel with the second delivery pipe 32 between the first delivery pipe 31 and the third delivery pipe 33. A fourth electric valve 44 and a fifth electric valve 45 are installed at the junction of the second delivery pipe 32 and the backup delivery pipe 35, respectively. A second flow meter 52 and a sixth electric valve 46 are also sequentially installed on the backup delivery pipe 35. All four electric valves are electrically connected to the controller 6. When the second delivery pipe 32 malfunctions or requires maintenance, the controller 6 can close the fourth electric valve 44 and the second electric valve 42, while simultaneously opening the fifth electric valve 45 and the sixth electric valve 46, switching to the backup delivery pipe 35 to ensure a continuous supply of concentrated sulfuric acid. To improve the corrosion resistance and chemical resistance of the conveying pipelines, the first conveying pipe 31, the second conveying pipe 32, the third conveying pipe 33, the fourth conveying pipe 34 and the spare conveying pipe 35 are all lined with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) anti-corrosion layer. PTFE has excellent chemical corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance, which can effectively resist the corrosion of concentrated sulfuric acid, extend the service life of the pipeline and reduce the maintenance cost of the equipment.

[0024] The present invention has been described in detail above through specific and preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pH automatic adjustment system based on the addition of concentrated sulfuric acid, comprising an acid storage tank (1) and a stirring tank (2), wherein a stirring mechanism (21) is provided at the center of the stirring tank (2), characterized in that: The acid storage tank (1) and the stirring tank (2) are connected by an automatic conveying system. The automatic conveying system includes a first conveying pipe (31), a second conveying pipe (32) and a third conveying pipe (33) connected in sequence. A first electric valve (41) is installed on the first conveying pipe (31). A first flow meter (51) and a second electric valve (42) are installed in sequence on the second conveying pipe (32). The third conveying pipe (33) is an annular pipe surrounding the stirring mechanism (21), and at least three fourth conveying pipes (34) are connected in an annular array on the annular pipe. A third electric valve (43) is installed on each of the fourth conveying pipes (34). A pH meter (7) is installed on the stirring tank (2). The first electric valve (41), the second electric valve (42), the third electric valve (43), the first flow meter (51) and the pH meter (7) are all electrically connected to the controller (6).

2. The pH automatic adjustment system based on the addition of concentrated sulfuric acid according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a spare delivery pipe (35), which is connected in parallel with the second delivery pipe (32) and between the first delivery pipe (31) and the third delivery pipe (33); a fourth electric valve (44) and a fifth electric valve (45) are respectively installed at the junction of the second delivery pipe (32) and the spare delivery pipe (35). A second flow meter (52) and a sixth electric valve (46) are also installed on the spare delivery pipe (35) in sequence. The fourth electric valve (44), the fifth electric valve (45), the second flow meter (52) and the sixth electric valve (46) are all electrically connected to the controller (6).

3. A pH automatic adjustment system based on the addition of concentrated sulfuric acid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first delivery pipe (31), the second delivery pipe (32), the third delivery pipe (33), the fourth delivery pipe (34) and the spare delivery pipe (35) are all lined with a polytetrafluoroethylene anti-corrosion layer.