Automatic descaling apparatus and method for laterite-nickel ore high-pressure leaching system

Abstract

An automatic descaling apparatus and method for a laterite-nickel ore high-pressure leaching system, said automatic descaling apparatus and method relating to the technical field of descaling apparatuses. The automatic descaling apparatus comprises a high-pressure reaction kettle (1), a first pressure sensor (22), a second pressure sensor (23), an acid supply assembly (3), a collecting assembly, and a main controller. The inside of the high-pressure reaction kettle (1) is provided with a reaction cavity (11). The acid supply assembly (3) comprises an acid storage tank (31), a second pipeline (32), and a first switch (33), the second pipeline (32) communicating the acid storage tank (31) and a first pipeline (21), and the first switch (33) being arranged on the second pipeline (32). The collecting assembly comprises a collecting tank (41), a third pipeline (43), and a second switch (44), two ends of the third pipeline (43) being in communication with the collecting tank (41) and the first pipeline (21). The main controller is connected to each of the first pressure sensor (22), the second pressure sensor (23), the first switch (33), and the second switch (44). When the pressure difference between the first pressure sensor (22) and the second pressure sensor (23) reaches a point within a preset range, the main controller can automatically control the first switch (33) to turn on and control the second switch (44) to turn off, enabling acidic substances in the acid storage tank (31) to flow into the reaction cavity (11); the degree of automation and smartness is high.

Description

Automatic descaling device and method for laterite nickel ore high-pressure leaching system Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of descaling devices, and in particular to an automatic descaling device and method for a laterite nickel ore high-pressure leaching system. Background Art

[0002] The current hydrometallurgical process for laterite nickel ore extraction typically involves injecting ore slurry, sulfuric acid, and steam into a high-pressure reactor to extract the nickel and cobalt from the ore. During operation, scale, primarily composed of iron and aluminum, forms on the inner walls of the reactor. Excessive scale accumulation requires prompt removal with an acidic agent such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid to prevent it from interfering with the reactor's performance.

[0003] Existing descaling devices for autoclave reactors are typically simple mechanical structures. When descaling is needed, an acidic substance is manually and mechanically poured into the autoclave. The acidic substance pouring is then manually and mechanically stopped when descaling is complete. These descaling devices are not intelligent enough to automatically control the injection of the acidic substance based on the amount of scale in the autoclave, and therefore need improvement.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, it is necessary to provide an automatic descaling device and method for a laterite nickel ore high-pressure leaching system to solve the technical problem that the device for removing scale from the high-pressure reactor in the prior art is not intelligent enough and cannot automatically control the injection of acidic substances according to the scale inventory in the high-pressure reactor.

[0006] In order to achieve the above technical objectives, the technical solution of the present invention provides an automatic descaling device for a laterite nickel ore high-pressure leaching system, comprising:

[0007] A high-pressure reactor is provided with a reaction chamber;

[0008] A sensing assembly includes a main controller, a first pipeline, and a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor provided on the first pipeline;

[0009] An acid supply assembly includes an acid storage tank, a second pipeline, and a first switch, wherein two ends of the second pipeline are connected to the acid storage tank and the second pipeline, and the first switch is provided on the second pipeline;

[0010] A collection assembly, comprising a collection tank, a third pipeline, and a second switch, wherein both ends of the third pipeline are connected to the collection tank and the first pipeline, and the second switch is provided on the third pipeline;

[0011] The first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the first switch, and the second switch are all connected to the main controller; the main controller is used to control the first switch to open and the second switch to close when the pressure difference detected by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor is within a preset range, so that the acidic substance in the acid storage tank flows into the reaction chamber; the main controller is also used to control the first switch to close and the second switch to open when the pressure difference detected by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor is not within the preset range.

[0012] Furthermore, the sensing assembly further includes a third switch provided on the first pipeline, the third switch is located on a side of the first pressure sensor away from the second pressure sensor, and the third switch is located between the first pressure sensor and the high-pressure reactor.

[0013] Furthermore, the acid supply component also includes a fourth pipeline and a fourth switch, the two ends of the fourth pipeline are connected to the acid storage tank and the reaction chamber, the fourth pipeline is connected to the second pipeline, and the fourth switch is arranged in the fourth pipeline, and the fourth switch is located between the acid storage tank and the connection between the fourth pipeline and the second pipeline.

[0014] Furthermore, the fourth switch is connected to the main controller, and the main controller is used to control the first switch and the fourth switch to open when the pressure difference detected by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor is within a preset range, so that the acidic substance in the acid storage tank enters the reaction chamber through the fourth pipeline, the second pipeline and the first pipeline in sequence.

[0015] Furthermore, the collection component also includes a first pressure relief tank, and two ends of the first pressure relief tank are respectively connected to the collection tank and the second switch.

[0016] Furthermore, the collection assembly further includes a second pressure relief tank, and both ends of the second pressure relief tank are respectively connected to the first pressure relief tank and the collection tank.

[0017] Furthermore, the collection assembly further includes a third pressure relief tank, and both ends of the third pressure relief tank are respectively connected to the second pressure relief tank and the collection tank.

[0018] Furthermore, the collection component also includes a leachate storage tank, a fifth pipeline and a fifth switch, the two ends of the fifth pipeline are connected to the leachate storage tank and the collection tank, the fifth switch is arranged on the fifth pipeline, and the leachate storage tank is connected to the second switch through the pipeline.

[0019] Furthermore, the collection component also includes a sixth pipeline and a sixth switch, one end of the sixth pipeline is connected to the fifth pipeline, and the other end of the sixth pipeline is used to connect to the next reaction process, and the sixth switch is provided in the sixth pipeline.

[0020] The present invention also provides an automatic descaling method for a laterite nickel ore high-pressure leaching system, comprising the following steps:

[0021] (1) detecting the pressure values ​​of the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, and calculating the absolute value of the difference between the two pressure values;

[0022] (2) If the absolute value is not within the preset range, maintain the status quo and do not take any action;

[0023] If the absolute value is within a preset range, the first switch, the fourth switch, and the fifth switch are controlled to be open and the second switch and the sixth switch are controlled to be closed, so that the acidic substance in the acid storage tank can flow into the reaction chamber of the high-pressure reactor, and the feeding of the reaction chamber is suspended at the same time;

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The present invention incorporates an automated control structure. As the amount of scale in the reaction chamber of the autoclave increases, the pressure difference between the first and second pressure sensors increases. If this pressure difference reaches a preset range, the main controller automatically controls the first switch to open and the second switch to close, allowing acidic substances in the acid storage tank to flow into the reaction chamber, removing scale from the reaction chamber through pickling, thereby preventing excessive scale accumulation in the reaction chamber from affecting smelting. When the scale removal is satisfactory, the pressure difference between the first and second pressure sensors falls outside the preset range and returns to normal. The main controller then controls the first switch to close and the second switch to open, resuming production. The entire process is efficient, intelligent, and easy to use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an automatic descaling device for a laterite nickel ore high-pressure leaching system according to the present invention;

[0026] FIG2 is a schematic flow diagram of an automatic descaling method for a laterite nickel ore high-pressure leaching system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the accompanying drawings constitute a part of this application and are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to illustrate the principles of the present invention, and are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0028] Referring to FIG1 , the present invention provides an automatic descaling device for a laterite nickel ore high-pressure leaching system. The device can not only be used to smelt nickel and cobalt from laterite nickel ore, but also has an automatic descaling function, a high degree of automation, and is easy to use.

[0029] The automatic descaling device 100 includes an autoclave 1, a sensor assembly, an acid supply assembly 3, and a collection assembly. The acid supply assembly 3 is connected to the autoclave 1 to supply acid to the autoclave 1, thereby removing scale from the autoclave 1. The collection assembly is connected to the autoclave 1 to promptly collect the descaling liquid from the autoclave 1.

[0030] The autoclave 1 is provided with a reaction chamber 11 and an inlet 12. The inlet 12 is used to allow external materials used for laterite nickel ore smelting, such as ore pulp, sulfuric acid, and steam, to enter the reaction chamber 11, thereby causing a smelting reaction in the reaction chamber 11 to extract nickel and cobalt. During the smelting reaction, scale accumulates on the walls of the reaction chamber 11 and the walls of the pipes connected to the reaction chamber 11.

[0031] The acid supply assembly 3 includes an acid storage tank 31, a second pipeline 32, and a first switch 33. The second pipeline 32 connects the acid storage tank 31 and the first pipeline 21 at both ends. The first switch 33 is located on the second pipeline 32 and is used to control the opening and closing of the second pipeline 32. The acid storage tank 31 is used to store acidic substances, such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid. When the first switch 33 controls the unobstructed flow of the second pipeline 32, the acidic substance in the acid storage tank 31 can flow through the second pipeline 32 and the first pipeline 21 into the reaction chamber 11, thereby pickling and removing scale in the reaction chamber 11.

[0032] Acid supply assembly 3 also comprises the 4th pipeline 34 and the 4th switch 35, and the two ends of the 4th pipeline 34 are communicated with acid storage tank 31 and reaction chamber 11 respectively.The 4th switch 35 is located at the 4th pipeline 34, and the 4th switch 35 is positioned between the connection of acid storage tank 31 and the 4th pipeline 34 and the second pipeline 32.The 4th switch 35 is used to control the on-off of the 4th pipeline 34, and the 4th pipeline 34 can be understood as the main pipe.When the 4th pipeline 34 is a passage, the acidic substance in the acid storage tank 31 can a part directly flow into the reaction chamber 11 through the 4th pipeline 34, and another part of the acidic substance can flow into the reaction chamber 11 through the second pipeline 32.When the 4th pipeline 34 is an open circuit, the acidic substance in the acid storage tank 31 cannot flow out.

[0033] By adding the fourth pipeline 34 , a path is added for the acidic substance in the acid storage tank 31 to flow to the reaction chamber 11 , thereby improving the descaling efficiency in the reaction chamber 11 .

[0034] It is understood that in other embodiments, the acid supply assembly 3 may further include one or more pipelines connecting the acid storage tank 31 and the reaction chamber 11, thereby further improving the descaling efficiency in the reaction chamber 11. In addition, a corresponding switch may be separately provided on each pipeline to separately control the on / off of the corresponding pipeline.

[0035] The second pipeline 32 is connected between both ends of the fourth pipeline 34 and is connected to the acid storage tank 31 through the fourth pipeline 34 . Therefore, the acid from the acid storage tank 31 can enter the second pipeline 32 through the fourth pipeline 34 , and then enter the first pipeline 21 through the second pipeline 32 , and finally flow into the reaction chamber 11 .

[0036] The collecting assembly includes a collecting tank 41, a leachate storage tank 42, a third pipeline 43, a second switch 44, a fifth pipeline 45, a fifth switch 46, a first pressure relief tank 47, a second pressure relief tank 48, a third pressure relief tank 49, a sixth pipeline 50 and a sixth switch 51, wherein the two ends of the third pipeline 43 are respectively connected to the first pipeline 21 and the first pressure relief tank 47, the first pressure relief tank 47, the second pressure relief tank 48 and the third pressure relief tank 49 are connected in sequence through pipelines, the leachate storage tank 42 is connected to the collecting tank 41 through the fifth pipeline 45, and one end of the sixth pipeline 50 is connected between the two ends of the fifth pipeline 45.

[0037] The second switch 44 is provided in the third pipeline 43 and is used to control the on and off of the third pipeline 43 .

[0038] The fifth switch 46 is provided in the fifth pipeline 45 and is used to control the on and off of the fifth pipeline 45 .

[0039] The sixth switch 51 is provided in the sixth pipeline 50 and is used to control the on and off of the sixth pipeline 50 .

[0040] When the second switch 44 and the fifth switch 46 are turned on and the sixth switch 51 is turned off, the liquid after the descaling reaction in the reaction chamber 11 can flow into the collection tank 41 for storage.

[0041] When the second switch 44 and the sixth switch 51 are opened, and the fifth switch 46 is closed, the leachate in the reaction chamber can flow through various pipelines to the next processing step for further processing.

[0042] The sensor assembly includes a main controller (not shown), a first pipeline 21, and a first pressure sensor 22, a second pressure sensor 23, and a third switch 24 disposed on the first pipeline 21. The first pressure sensor 22 is located between the second pressure sensor 23 and the autoclave 1. Both the first and second pressure sensors 22, 23 are used to measure the air pressure within the first pipeline 21. To provide a more valuable reference for the pressure measurements, the first pressure sensor 22 can be positioned closer to the end of the first pipeline 21, with the first and second pressure sensors 22, 23 positioned appropriately farther apart.

[0043] As scale accumulates within reaction chamber 11, the volume of reaction chamber 11 gradually decreases. During the reaction process within reaction chamber 11, the air pressure sensed by first pressure sensor 22 increases, while the air pressure sensed by second pressure sensor 23 typically remains stable, with minimal impact. Therefore, based on this principle, as scale accumulates within reaction chamber 11, the pressure difference between the air pressure sensed by first pressure sensor 22 and second pressure sensor 23 increases.

[0044] It is understood that in other embodiments, the number of pressure sensors is not limited and may be three or more. In this embodiment, multiple pressure sensors may be arranged at equal intervals along the length of the first pipeline 21. The scale accumulation in the reaction chamber 11 can be more accurately determined by observing the pressure difference between adjacent pressure sensors. For example, in the direction from the first pressure sensor 22 to the second pressure sensor 23, the pressure difference between adjacent pressure sensors is substantially the same.

[0045] The third switch 24 is used to control the on / off state of the first pipeline 21. Generally, the third switch 24 is always in a normally open state, and its on / off state can be manually controlled.

[0046] The main controller is simultaneously connected to the first pressure sensor 22, the second pressure sensor 23, the first switch 33, the second switch 44, the fourth switch 35, the fifth switch 46 and the sixth switch 51, wherein the first pressure sensor 22 and the second pressure sensor 23 can detect the air pressure once at a fixed interval, and the interval time can be set by yourself, such as five minutes or ten minutes, etc., which is not limited here.

[0047] The air pressure values ​​detected by the first pressure sensor 22 and the second pressure sensor 23 can be transmitted to the main controller in real time. The main controller will analyze the air pressure values, and the main controller has an air pressure preset range, which can be set by itself.

[0048] 2 , the present invention further provides an automatic descaling method for a laterite nickel ore high-pressure leaching system. The method is implemented based on the above-mentioned automatic descaling device 100 and includes the following steps:

[0049] Under normal operation, the slurry, sulfuric acid, steam, and other substances in the reaction chamber 11 undergo a normal smelting reaction. At this time, the states of the various switches are: the first switch 33, the fourth switch 35, and the fifth switch 46 are all closed, and the third switch 24, the second switch 44, and the sixth switch 51 are all open. The leachate that has undergone the smelting reaction in the reaction chamber 11 can flow through various pipelines to the next processing step. If the following changes occur during this process, the corresponding switch changes will occur:

[0050] When the absolute value of the pressure difference between the first pressure sensor 22 and the second pressure sensor 23 is not within the preset range, it means that the scale content in the reaction chamber 11 is not exceeded. At this time, each switch remains in its current state and the main controller does not make any control changes.

[0051] When the absolute value of the pressure difference between first pressure sensor 22 and second pressure sensor 23 is within a preset range, it indicates that the scale content in reaction chamber 11 exceeds the standard. At this time, the main controller automatically controls the first switch 33, fourth switch 35, and fifth switch 46 to open and the second switch 44 and sixth switch 51 to close. The acidic substance in acid storage tank 31 flows into reaction chamber 11, consuming the scale. The liquid after the reaction between reaction chamber 11 and scale flows into collection tank 41. At the same time, the supply of slurry, sulfuric acid, steam, and other substances used for laterite nickel ore smelting to reaction chamber 11 is stopped, giving priority to removing scale.

[0052] The first pressure sensor 22 and the second pressure sensor 23 are tested at regular intervals. If the absolute value of the pressure difference between the first pressure sensor 22 and the second pressure sensor 23 is within a preset range, the current state is maintained and the acidic substance is continuously supplied to the reaction chamber 11 .

[0053] Until the pressure difference between the first pressure sensor 22 and the second pressure sensor 23 is no longer within a preset range, the main controller controls the first switch 33, the fourth switch 35, and the fifth switch 46 to close, and controls the sixth switch 51 to open; at the same time, it controls the slurry, sulfuric acid, steam and other materials to start feeding again, so that the leachate from the smelting reaction in the reaction chamber 11 can flow through various pipelines to the next processing step.

[0054] In summary, the present invention has invested in an automated control structure, which can automatically control the addition of acidic substances to the reaction chamber 11 to remove scale; and when the scale is reduced to a minimum, production can be resumed, with a high degree of automation and easy user use.

[0055] The above description is only a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by any technician familiar with this technical field within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention should be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic descaling device for a laterite nickel ore high pressure leaching system, characterized in that: include: A high-pressure reactor having a reaction chamber therein; A sensor assembly, comprising a main controller, a first pipeline, and a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor disposed on the first pipeline; An acid supply component, comprising an acid storage tank, a second pipeline and a first switch, wherein two ends of the second pipeline are connected to the acid storage tank and the second pipeline, and the first switch is arranged on the second pipeline; A collecting assembly, comprising a collecting tank, a third pipeline and a second switch, wherein two ends of the third pipeline are connected to the collecting tank and the first pipeline, and the second switch is arranged on the third pipeline; The first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the first switch and the second switch are all connected to the main controller; The main controller is used to control the first switch to open and the second switch to close when the pressure difference detected by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor is within a preset range, so that the acidic substance in the acid storage tank flows into the reaction chamber; the main controller is also used to control the first switch to close and the second switch to open when the pressure difference detected by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor is not within the preset range.

2. The automatic descaling device for the laterite nickel ore high pressure leaching system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor assembly further includes a third switch disposed on the first pipeline. The third switch is located on a side of the first pressure sensor away from the second pressure sensor, and the third switch is located between the first pressure sensor and the high-pressure reactor.

3. The automatic descaling device for the laterite nickel ore high pressure leaching system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The acid supply component also includes a fourth pipeline and a fourth switch, the two ends of the fourth pipeline are connected to the acid storage tank and the reaction chamber, the fourth pipeline is connected to the second pipeline, the fourth switch is arranged in the fourth pipeline, and the fourth switch is located between the acid storage tank and the connection between the fourth pipeline and the second pipeline.

4. The automatic descaling device for the laterite nickel ore high pressure leaching system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fourth switch is connected to the main controller, and the main controller is used to control the first switch and the fourth switch to open when the pressure difference detected by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor is within a preset range, so that the acidic substance in the acid storage tank enters the reaction chamber through the fourth pipeline, the second pipeline and the first pipeline in sequence.

5. The automatic descaling device for laterite nickel ore high pressure leaching system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The collection assembly further includes a first pressure relief tank, and two ends of the first pressure relief tank are respectively connected to the collection tank and the second switch.

6. The automatic descaling device for the laterite nickel ore high pressure leaching system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The collecting assembly further includes a second pressure relief tank, and two ends of the second pressure relief tank are respectively connected to the first pressure relief tank and the collecting tank.

7. The automatic descaling device for the laterite nickel ore high pressure leaching system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The collecting assembly further includes a third pressure relief tank, and two ends of the third pressure relief tank are respectively connected to the second pressure relief tank and the collecting tank.

8. The automatic descaling device for laterite nickel ore high pressure leaching system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The collection assembly also includes a leachate storage tank, a fifth pipeline and a fifth switch. The two ends of the fifth pipeline are connected to the leachate storage tank and the collection tank. The fifth switch is arranged on the fifth pipeline. The leachate storage tank is connected to the second switch through the pipeline.

9. The automatic descaling device for the laterite nickel ore high pressure leaching system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The collection component also includes a sixth pipeline and a sixth switch. One end of the sixth pipeline is connected to the fifth pipeline, and the other end of the sixth pipeline is used to connect to the next reaction process. The sixth switch is arranged on the sixth pipeline.

10. [Corrected 04.08.2023 in accordance with Rule 91] An automatic descaling method for a laterite nickel ore high pressure leaching system, characterized in that: The steps include: (1) obtaining pressure values ​​of the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, and calculating the absolute value of the difference between the two pressure values; (2) If the absolute value is not within the preset range, maintain the status quo and do not take any action; If the absolute value is within a preset range, the first switch is controlled to be turned on and the second switch is controlled to be turned off, so that the acidic substance in the acid storage tank flows into the reaction chamber; If the absolute value is not within the preset range, the main controller controls the first switch to be closed and controls the second switch to be opened.

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