Acid-ore ratio dynamic optimization method for high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore

Abstract

An acid-ore ratio dynamic optimization method for high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore. The method comprises: acquiring incoming ore components, an ore pulp concentration, an ore pulp flow, a leaching temperature, and a retention time of the ore pulp in a high-pressure kettle, and setting a target leaching rate of nickel; setting the flow of sulfuric acid; obtaining the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution; obtaining the theoretical leaching rate of nickel under the current sulfuric acid flow when the leaching time reaches the retention time of the ore pulp in the high-pressure kettle; and comparing the theoretical leaching rate of nickel with the target leaching rate of nickel. Provided are a high-pressure acid leaching mathematical model for laterite nickel ore leaching, and an optimal acid-ore ratio calculation method. The optimal acid-ore ratio can be calculated by inputting real-time incoming ore components into the high-pressure acid leaching mathematical model, such that the sulfuric-acid addition flow of a laterite nickel ore high-pressure leaching stage can be dynamically adjusted according to the incoming ore components, and thus the high-pressure acid leaching process is always in the dynamic optimal state of the optimal acid-ore ratio.

Description

A dynamic optimization method for acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore, in particular to a method for dynamically optimizing the acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore. Background Art

[0002] The wet smelting process mainly includes atmospheric pressure leaching and pressure leaching. The process of pressure leaching is generally to first make the ore into slurry, then preheat the slurry, and then pressurize the preheated slurry in an autoclave for acid leaching. The slurry is then cooled and depressurized, neutralized, separated, and purified.

[0003] The acid-ore ratio is a key control parameter in the pressure leaching process. A too low acid-ore ratio will result in slow leaching of Ni, Co, and Mn metal ions from laterite nickel ore, reducing production efficiency. A too high acid-ore ratio will result in excessively high residual acid content after leaching, requiring the use of more neutralizers and precipitants in the subsequent pre-neutralization and iron and aluminum precipitation processes, and excessive sulfuric acid usage in the raw materials, resulting in unnecessary cost increases. Therefore, in the high-pressure acid leaching process of laterite nickel ore, there is an optimal acid-ore ratio that can ensure the leaching rate of Ni, Co, and Mn metal ions while avoiding unnecessary acid waste.

[0004] Determining the optimal acid-to-ore ratio is currently primarily done through small-scale laboratory experiments. However, due to differences in mass and heat transfer processes between small-scale and large-scale autoclaves, the optimal acid-to-ore ratio determined in a small-scale experiment differs from that in a large-scale autoclave. Therefore, it is impossible to fully infer the optimal acid-to-ore ratio under the operating conditions of a large-scale autoclave from experimental data from a small-scale experiment. Furthermore, the acid consumption during the leaching process varies for different metals, and the optimal acid-to-ore ratio varies with fluctuations in the incoming ore composition and slurry concentration. Current high-pressure acid leaching processes often use a fixed acid-to-ore ratio or adjust it based solely on human judgment. This can lead to acid-to-ore ratios that are either too high or too low during actual operation, resulting in unnecessary cost increases or reduced production efficiency.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a dynamic optimization method for the acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore to solve the technical problem that the current high-pressure acid leaching process often adopts a fixed acid-ore ratio or is adjusted only by human judgment, resulting in the acid-ore ratio being too high or too low during actual operation, leading to unnecessary cost increases or reduced production efficiency.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for dynamically optimizing the acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore, comprising:

[0008] Obtain the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, slurry flow rate, leaching temperature and slurry residence time in the autoclave, and set the target nickel leaching rate;

[0009] Set the flow rate of sulfuric acid;

[0010] According to the flow setting value of sulfuric acid, the composition of the incoming ore, the slurry concentration, the slurry flow rate and the leaching temperature, the relationship between the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution and the reaction time is obtained;

[0011] Based on the relationship between the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution and the reaction time, the incoming ore composition, the slurry concentration, the slurry flow rate, the leaching temperature and the residence time of the slurry in the autoclave, the theoretical leaching rate of nickel is obtained when the leaching time reaches the residence time of the slurry in the autoclave at the current sulfuric acid flow rate;

[0012] Compare the theoretical leaching rate of nickel with the target leaching rate of nickel. If they are not equal, adjust the set value of the sulfuric acid flow rate and repeat the above steps until the theoretical leaching rate of nickel is equal to the target leaching rate of nickel. At this time, output the current sulfuric acid flow rate as the optimal sulfuric acid flow rate and calculate the corresponding optimal acid-ore ratio.

[0013] According to the optimal acid-ore ratio, the opening of the sulfuric acid flow regulating valve of the autoclave is adjusted so that the actual high-pressure acid leaching process is always carried out under the optimal acid-ore ratio conditions.

[0014] In some embodiments, the relationship between the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution and the reaction time is obtained based on the flow setting value of sulfuric acid, the composition of the incoming ore, the slurry concentration, the slurry flow rate, and the leaching temperature, specifically including:

[0015] Set the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution under the current time and current sulfuric acid flow conditions;

[0016] According to the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, slurry flow rate, sulfuric acid flow rate setting value and hydrogen ion concentration setting value in the solution, the leaching rate of nickel ions, cobalt ions, aluminum ions and iron ions in the solution at the current time is obtained;

[0017] According to the leaching rate of aluminum ions and iron ions in the solution, the hydrolysis precipitation amount of aluminum ions and iron ions at the current time is obtained;

[0018] Obtaining a first sulfate concentration in the solution at the current time according to the hydrolysis precipitation amount of aluminum ions and iron ions at the current time and the current sulfuric acid flow setting value;

[0019] Obtaining a second sulfate concentration in the solution at the current time according to the concentrations of nickel ions, cobalt ions, aluminum ions, and iron ions in the solution at the current time;

[0020] Compare the first sulfate concentration and the second sulfate concentration. If they are not equal, correct the set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution. Repeat the above steps until the first sulfate concentration is equal to the second sulfate concentration. At this time, the set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the current solution is output as the actual hydrogen ion concentration.

[0021] In some embodiments, the leaching rates of nickel ions, cobalt ions, aluminum ions, and iron ions in the solution at the current time are obtained based on the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, slurry flow rate, sulfuric acid flow rate setting value, and hydrogen ion concentration setting value in the solution. The specific calculation formula for the leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution at the current time is:

[0022] Where R is the gas constant, T is the leaching temperature, [H + ] is the set value of hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, t is the current time, X Ni is the leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution at the current time, It is the maximum leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, and slurry flow rate.

[0023] In some embodiments, the specific calculation formula for the leaching rate of cobalt ions in the solution at the current time is:

[0024] Where R is the gas constant, T is the leaching temperature, [H + ] is the current set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, t is the current time, X Co is the leaching rate of cobalt ions in the solution at the current time, It is the maximum leaching rate of cobalt ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the ore composition, slurry concentration and slurry flow rate.

[0025] In some embodiments, the specific calculation formula for the leaching rate of aluminum ions in the solution at the current time is:

[0026] Where R is the gas constant, T is the leaching temperature, [H + ] is the set value of hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, t is the current time, X Al is the leaching rate of aluminum ions in the solution at the current time, It is the maximum leaching rate of aluminum ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, and slurry flow rate.

[0027] In some embodiments, the specific calculation formula for the leaching rate of iron ions in the solution at the current time is:

[0028] Where R is the gas constant, T is the leaching temperature, [H +] is the set value of hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, t is the current time, X Fe is the leaching rate of iron ions in the solution at the current time, It is the maximum leaching rate of iron ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration and slurry flow rate.

[0029] In some embodiments, the amount of hydrolysis precipitation of aluminum ions and iron ions at the current time is obtained according to the leaching rate of aluminum ions and iron ions in the solution, wherein the specific calculation formula for the amount of hydrolysis precipitation of aluminum ions at the current time is:

[0030] Where T is the leaching temperature, t is the current time, M Al is the amount of aluminum ion hydrolysis precipitation at the current time, [H + ] is the current set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, S Al is the saturation of aluminum ions in the solution, X Al is the leaching rate of aluminum ions in the solution, is the Al concentration in the slurry, which can be calculated based on the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, and slurry flow rate. [Al2(SO4)3(aq)] is the solubility of aluminum sulfate in the solution. is the first sulfate concentration in the solution at the current time, [Al 3+ ] is the concentration of aluminum ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, and slurry flow rate. is the concentration of bisulfate ions in the solution, is the ionic strength of Al2(SO4)3.

[0031] In some embodiments, the specific calculation formula for the hydrolysis precipitation amount of iron ions at the current time is:

[0032] Where T is the leaching temperature, M Fe is the amount of hydrolysis precipitation of iron ions at the current time, [H + ] is the current set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, S Fe is the saturation of iron ions in the solution, X Ni is the leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution, [Fe2(SO4)3(aq)] is the solubility of ferric sulfate in the solution, is the maximum leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution, is the first sulfate concentration in the solution at the current time, [Fe 3+ ] is the concentration of iron ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, and slurry flow rate. is the concentration of bisulfate ions in the solution, is the ionic strength of [Fe2(SO4)3.

[0033] In some embodiments, obtaining a first sulfate concentration in the solution at the current time according to the hydrolysis precipitation amount of aluminum ions and iron ions at the current time and the current sulfuric acid flow rate setting value specifically includes:

[0034] Obtain the total sulfate concentration based on the current sulfuric acid flow setting value;

[0035] According to the amount of aluminum ion and iron ion hydrolysis precipitation at the current time, the sulfate content in the hydrolysis precipitation is obtained;

[0036] According to the total sulfate concentration and the sulfate content in the hydrolysis precipitate, the first sulfate concentration in the solution at the current time is obtained.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first sulfate concentration and the second sulfate concentration are compared. If the two are not equal, the set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution is corrected, and the above steps are repeated until the first sulfate concentration and the second sulfate concentration are equal. At this time, the set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the current solution is output as the actual hydrogen ion concentration. The specific formula for correcting the set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution is: [H + ](after correction)=[H + ](before correction)+k×(SO4 * -SO4 ** )

[0038] Among them, [H + ] (after correction) is the set value of the corrected hydrogen ion concentration, [H + ] (before correction) is the current set value of hydrogen ion concentration, SO4 * is the first sulfate concentration, SO4 ** is the second sulfate concentration, and k is the proportional coefficient.

[0039] In some embodiments, based on the relationship between the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution and the reaction time, the incoming ore composition, the slurry concentration, the slurry flow rate, the leaching temperature, and the residence time of the slurry in the autoclave, the theoretical leaching rate of nickel at the current sulfuric acid flow rate when the leaching time reaches the residence time of the slurry in the autoclave is obtained. The specific calculation formula is:

[0040] Where R is the gas constant, T is the leaching temperature, [H +] is the value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution at time t, t is the current time, X Ni is the leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution at the current time, It is the maximum leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, and slurry flow rate.

[0041] In some embodiments, the theoretical leaching rate of nickel is compared with the target leaching rate of nickel. If they are not equal, the set value of the sulfuric acid flow rate is adjusted, and the above steps are repeated until the theoretical leaching rate of nickel is equal to the target leaching rate of nickel. Specifically,

[0042] If the theoretical leaching rate of nickel is greater than the target leaching rate of nickel, the set value of the sulfuric acid flow rate is reduced;

[0043] If the theoretical leaching rate of nickel is less than the target leaching rate of nickel, the set value of the sulfuric acid flow rate is increased.

[0044] Compared with existing technologies, the technical solution proposed in this invention offers the following advantages: It provides a mathematical model for high-pressure acid leaching of laterite nickel ore and a method for calculating the optimal acid-ore ratio. By inputting real-time incoming ore composition into the high-pressure acid leaching mathematical model, the optimal acid-ore ratio can be calculated. This allows for dynamic adjustment of the sulfuric acid addition rate during the high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore based on the incoming ore composition, ensuring that the high-pressure acid leaching process consistently maintains a dynamically optimal acid-ore ratio. Compared with traditional methods of optimizing the acid-ore ratio through bench-scale experiments, this method offers the advantages of faster response and more precise optimization. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] FIG1 is a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for dynamically optimizing the acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore provided by the present invention;

[0046] FIG2 is an algorithm flow chart of a method for dynamically optimizing the acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore provided by the present invention;

[0047] FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of step S3 in FIG1 ;

[0048] FIG4 is a schematic flow chart of step S34 in FIG3 ;

[0049] Figure 5 shows the experimental results of parallel experiments under various acid-ore ratio conditions using a small-scale test device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] 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.

[0051] 1 and 2 , the present invention provides a method for dynamically optimizing the acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore, comprising the following steps:

[0052] S1. Obtain the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, slurry flow rate, leaching temperature, and slurry residence time in the autoclave, and set the target leaching rate of nickel;

[0053] S2, set the flow rate of sulfuric acid;

[0054] S3. According to the set value of the flow rate of sulfuric acid, the composition of the incoming ore, the slurry concentration, the slurry flow rate and the leaching temperature, the relationship between the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution and the reaction time is obtained (the solution mentioned in the present invention refers to the solution in the autoclave); the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution has an important influence on the leaching of nickel, cobalt, aluminum and iron. However, the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution cannot be directly obtained by the flow rate of sulfuric acid. In the present invention, the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution is obtained by the following method.

[0055] 2 and 3 , the specific method for obtaining the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution includes the following steps:

[0056] S31, setting the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution under the current time and current sulfuric acid flow conditions;

[0057] S32. Obtain the leaching rates of nickel ions, cobalt ions, aluminum ions, and iron ions in the solution at the current time based on the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, slurry flow rate, sulfuric acid flow rate setting value, and hydrogen ion concentration setting value in the solution;

[0058] Among them, the specific calculation formula for the leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution at the current time is:

[0059] Where R is the gas constant, T is the leaching temperature, [H + ] is the set value of hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, t is the current time, X Ni is the leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution at the current time, It is the maximum leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, and slurry flow rate.

[0060] The specific calculation formula for the leaching rate of cobalt ions in the solution at the current time is:

[0061] Where R is the gas constant, T is the leaching temperature, [H + ] is the current set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, t is the current time, X Co is the leaching rate of cobalt ions in the solution at the current time, It is the maximum leaching rate of cobalt ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the ore composition, slurry concentration and slurry flow rate.

[0062] The specific calculation formula for the leaching rate of aluminum ions in the solution at the current time is:

[0063] Where R is the gas constant, T is the leaching temperature, [H + ] is the set value of hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, t is the current time, X Al is the leaching rate of aluminum ions in the solution at the current time, It is the maximum leaching rate of aluminum ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, and slurry flow rate.

[0064] The specific calculation formula for the leaching rate of iron ions in the solution at the current time is:

[0065] Where R is the gas constant, T is the leaching temperature, [H + ] is the set value of hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, t is the current time, X Fe is the leaching rate of iron ions in the solution at the current time, It is the maximum leaching rate of iron ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration and slurry flow rate.

[0066] S33. Obtaining the hydrolysis precipitation amount of aluminum ions and iron ions at the current time according to the leaching rate of aluminum ions and iron ions in the solution;

[0067] Among them, the specific calculation formula for the hydrolysis precipitation amount of aluminum ions at the current time is:

[0068] Where T is the leaching temperature, t is the current time, M Al is the amount of aluminum ion hydrolysis precipitation at the current time, [H + ] is the current set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, S Al is the saturation of aluminum ions in the solution, X Al is the leaching rate of aluminum ions in the solution, is the Al concentration in the slurry, which can be calculated based on the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, and slurry flow rate. [Al2(SO4)3(aq)] is the solubility of aluminum sulfate in the solution. is the first sulfate concentration in the solution at the current time, [Al 3+ ] is the concentration of aluminum ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, and slurry flow rate. is the concentration of bisulfate ions in the solution, is the ionic strength of Al2(SO4)3.

[0069] The specific calculation formula for the hydrolysis precipitation amount of iron ions at the current time is:

[0070] Where T is the leaching temperature, M Fe is the amount of hydrolysis precipitation of iron ions at the current time, [H + ] is the current set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, S Fe is the saturation of iron ions in the solution, X Ni is the leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution, [Fe2(SO4)3(aq)] is the solubility of ferric sulfate in the solution, is the maximum leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution, is the first sulfate concentration in the solution at the current time, [Fe 3+ ] is the concentration of iron ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, and slurry flow rate. is the concentration of bisulfate ions in the solution, is the ionic strength of [Fe2(SO4)3.

[0071] S34, obtaining a first sulfate concentration in the solution at the current time according to the hydrolysis precipitation amount of aluminum ions and iron ions at the current time and the current sulfuric acid flow rate setting value;

[0072] Referring to FIG. 4 , step S34 specifically includes:

[0073] S341, obtaining the total sulfate concentration according to the current sulfuric acid flow setting value;

[0074] S342. Obtaining a sulfate content in the hydrolysis precipitate based on the amount of hydrolysis precipitate of aluminum ions and iron ions at the current time;

[0075] S343. Obtain a first sulfate concentration in the solution at the current time based on the total sulfate concentration and the sulfate content in the hydrolysis precipitate. Specifically, the first sulfate concentration in the solution at the current time is the difference between the total sulfate concentration and the sulfate content in the hydrolysis precipitate.

[0076] The principle of the calculation process of steps S341-S343 is as follows: the total sulfate concentration can be obtained by the amount of sulfuric acid added. A portion of the sulfuric acid added to the solution forms sulfate ions in the solution, and the other portion of the sulfate will be precipitated through the hydrolysis of aluminum ions and iron ions and precipitated as a precipitate. Therefore, the actual sulfate concentration in the solution can be obtained by subtracting the sulfate content in the hydrolysis precipitate of aluminum ions and iron ions from the total sulfate concentration.

[0077] S35. Obtaining a second sulfate concentration in the solution at the current time based on the concentrations of nickel ions, cobalt ions, aluminum ions, and iron ions in the solution at the current time;

[0078] The principle of step S35 is: the charge conservation of anions and cations in the solution, the anions in the solution are mainly sulfate ions, and the cations in the solution are mainly nickel ions, cobalt ions, aluminum ions and iron ions. By calculating the total positive charge concentration of hydrogen ions, nickel ions, cobalt ions, aluminum ions and iron ions, the sulfate ion concentration in the solution is obtained. It should be pointed out that under the high pressure leaching reaction temperature conditions, it is generally believed that H2SO4 will only ionize into H + and HSO4 - , will not directly ionize SO4 2- , H + and HSO4 - Positive and negative charges cancel each other out, so H ions are not considered when counting cations in solution.

[0079] S36. Compare the first sulfate concentration and the second sulfate concentration. If the two are not equal, correct the set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution. Repeat the above steps until the first sulfate concentration is equal to the second sulfate concentration. At this time, the set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the current solution is output as the actual concentration of the hydrogen ions.

[0080] The specific formula for correcting the set value of hydrogen ion concentration in the solution is: [H + ](after correction(=[H + ](before correction)+k×(SO4 * -SO4 ** )

[0081] Among them, [H + ] (after correction) is the set value of the corrected hydrogen ion concentration, [H + ] (before correction) is the current set value of hydrogen ion concentration, SO4 * is the first sulfate concentration, SO4 ** is the second sulfate concentration, and k is the proportional coefficient.

[0082] The principle of step S36 is: the first sulfate concentration obtained by subtracting the sulfate content in the hydrolysis precipitation of aluminum ions and iron ions from the total sulfate concentration should be equal to the second sulfate concentration calculated by charge conservation. If they are not equal, it means that the value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution under the current time and current sulfuric acid flow conditions set in step S31 is inaccurate. Therefore, it is necessary to reset the hydrogen ion concentration until the two are equal, indicating that the currently set hydrogen ion concentration is the accurate value. Therefore, the real-time hydrogen ion concentration can be calculated by the above method, providing a basis for subsequent calculation of the theoretical leaching rate of nickel.

[0083] S4. Calculate the theoretical nickel leaching rate at the current sulfuric acid flow rate when the leaching time reaches the residence time of the slurry in the autoclave based on the relationship between the change of hydrogen ion concentration in the solution and the reaction time, the incoming ore composition, the slurry concentration, the slurry flow rate, the leaching temperature, and the residence time of the slurry in the autoclave;

[0084] The specific calculation formula is:

[0085] Where R is the gas constant, T is the leaching temperature, [H + ] is the value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution at time t, t is the current time, X Ni is the leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution at the current time, It is the maximum leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, and slurry flow rate.

[0086] S5. Compare the theoretical leaching rate of nickel with the target leaching rate of nickel. If they are not equal, adjust the set value of the sulfuric acid flow rate and repeat the above steps until the theoretical leaching rate of nickel is equal to the target leaching rate of nickel. At this time, output the current sulfuric acid flow rate as the optimal sulfuric acid flow rate and calculate the corresponding optimal acid-ore ratio;

[0087] Specifically, if the theoretical leaching rate of nickel is greater than the target leaching rate of nickel, the set value of the sulfuric acid flow rate is reduced; if the theoretical leaching rate of nickel is less than the target leaching rate of nickel, the set value of the sulfuric acid flow rate is increased.

[0088] S6. Adjust the opening of the autoclave's sulfuric acid flow control valve based on the optimal acid-ore ratio to ensure that the actual high-pressure acid leaching process is always carried out under the optimal acid-ore ratio conditions. This control process can be directly controlled by the program and does not require manual operation.

[0089] In summary, the technical solutions provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects: They provide a mathematical model for high-pressure acid leaching of laterite nickel ore and a method for calculating the optimal acid-ore ratio. By inputting real-time incoming ore composition into the high-pressure acid leaching mathematical model, the optimal acid-ore ratio can be calculated. This allows for dynamic adjustment of the sulfuric acid addition rate during the high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore based on the incoming ore composition, ensuring that the high-pressure acid leaching process remains in a dynamically optimal state with the optimal acid-ore ratio. Compared to traditional methods of optimizing the acid-ore ratio through bench-scale experiments, this method offers the advantages of faster response and more precise optimization.

[0090] The following is the program code for the autoclave acid leaching process involved in this technical solution:

[0091] Technical solution verification experiment

[0092] In order to verify the reliability of the above calculation model, a verification experiment of the acid-ore ratio optimization was carried out using a laboratory pilot device. The optimal acid-ore ratio obtained by inputting the reaction process parameters of the pilot device into the above calculation program was 0.27.

[0093] Next, the pilot plant was used to conduct parallel experiments under various acid-ore ratios. The experimental results are shown in FIG5 .

[0094] As can be seen from Figure 5, when the acid-ore ratio is 0.26, Ni has the highest leaching rate and at this acid-ore ratio, the leaching amounts of Al and Fe are low, reducing the subsequent separation costs.

[0095] Table 1 Operating conditions, leaching effects and leaching costs of high pressure acid leaching process before and after optimization

[0096] Table 1 shows the operating conditions, leaching effects, and leaching costs of the high-pressure acid leaching process before and after optimization. As can be seen from Table 1, the optimal acid-ore ratio obtained by dynamic optimization using this calculation model is basically consistent with the experimental results of the acid-ore ratio optimization in the laboratory pilot plant. While ensuring the leaching rates of target metals such as Ni, Co, and Mn, the leaching rates of non-target elements such as Al are limited. By optimizing the acid-ore ratio, the production cost can be saved by 86 $ / h, the annual cost of the device can be saved by approximately $751,300, and unnecessary sulfuric acid waste can be saved, which promotes the economic efficiency, energy saving and consumption reduction of the high-pressure acid leaching process of laterite nickel ore.

[0097] 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 conceived 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. A method for dynamically optimizing the acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore, characterized in that: include: Obtain the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, slurry flow rate, leaching temperature and slurry residence time in the autoclave, and set the target leaching rate of nickel; Set the flow rate of sulfuric acid; According to the flow setting value of sulfuric acid, the composition of the incoming ore, the slurry concentration, the slurry flow rate and the leaching temperature, the relationship between the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution and the reaction time is obtained; According to the relationship between the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution and the reaction time, the ore composition, the slurry concentration, the slurry flow rate, the leaching temperature and the residence time of the slurry in the autoclave, the theoretical leaching rate of nickel at the current sulfuric acid flow rate when the leaching time reaches the residence time of the slurry in the autoclave is obtained; Compare the theoretical leaching rate of nickel with the target leaching rate of nickel. If they are not equal, adjust the set value of the sulfuric acid flow rate, and repeat the above steps until the theoretical leaching rate of nickel is equal to the target leaching rate of nickel. At this time, output the current sulfuric acid flow rate as the optimal sulfuric acid flow rate, and calculate the corresponding optimal acid-ore ratio; According to the optimal acid-ore ratio, the opening of the sulfuric acid flow regulating valve of the autoclave is adjusted so that the actual high-pressure acid leaching process is always carried out under the optimal acid-ore ratio condition.

2. The method for dynamic optimization of acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore according to claim 1, characterized in that: According to the flow setting value of sulfuric acid, the composition of the incoming ore, the slurry concentration, the slurry flow rate and the leaching temperature, the relationship between the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution and the reaction time is obtained, including: Set the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution under the current time and current sulfuric acid flow conditions; According to the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, slurry flow rate, sulfuric acid flow setting value and hydrogen ion concentration setting value in the solution, the leaching rate of nickel ions, cobalt ions, aluminum ions and iron ions in the solution at the current time is obtained; According to the leaching rates of aluminum ions and iron ions in the solution, the hydrolysis precipitation amounts of aluminum ions and iron ions at the current time are obtained; According to the hydrolysis precipitation amount of aluminum ions and iron ions at the current time and the current sulfuric acid flow setting value, a first sulfate concentration in the solution at the current time is obtained; According to the concentrations of nickel ions, cobalt ions, aluminum ions and iron ions in the solution at the current time, a second sulfate concentration in the solution at the current time is obtained; Compare the first sulfate concentration and the second sulfate concentration. If they are not equal, correct the set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution. Repeat the above steps until the first sulfate concentration is equal to the second sulfate concentration. At this time, output the set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the current solution as the actual concentration of the hydrogen ions.

3. The method for dynamic optimization of acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore according to claim 2, characterized in that: According to the incoming ore composition, slurry concentration, slurry flow rate, sulfuric acid flow rate setting value and hydrogen ion concentration setting value in the solution, the leaching rates of nickel ions, cobalt ions, aluminum ions and iron ions in the solution at the current time are obtained, wherein the specific calculation formula for the leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution at the current time is: Where R is the gas constant, T is the leaching temperature, [H + ] is the set value of hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, t is the current time, X Ni is the leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution at the current time, It is the maximum leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the ore composition, slurry concentration and slurry flow rate.

4. The method for dynamic optimization of acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore according to claim 2, characterized in that: The specific calculation formula for the leaching rate of cobalt ions in the solution at the current time is: Where R is the gas constant, T is the leaching temperature, [H + ] is the current set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, t is the current time, X Co is the leaching rate of cobalt ions in the solution at the current time, For dissolution The maximum leaching rate of cobalt ions in the liquid can be calculated based on the ore composition, slurry concentration and slurry flow rate.

5. The method for dynamic optimization of acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore according to claim 2, characterized in that: The specific calculation formula for the leaching rate of aluminum ions in the solution at the current time is: Where R is the gas constant, T is the leaching temperature, [H + ] is the set value of hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, t is the current time, X Al is the leaching rate of aluminum ions in the solution at the current time, It is the maximum leaching rate of aluminum ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the ore composition, slurry concentration and slurry flow rate.

6. The method for dynamic optimization of acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore according to claim 2, characterized in that: The specific calculation formula for the leaching rate of iron ions in the solution at the current time is: Where R is the gas constant, T is the leaching temperature, [H + ] is the set value of hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, t is the current time, X Fe is the leaching rate of iron ions in the solution at the current time, It is the maximum leaching rate of iron ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the ore composition, slurry concentration and slurry flow rate.

7. The method for dynamic optimization of acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore according to claim 2, characterized in that: According to the leaching rates of aluminum ions and iron ions in the solution, the hydrolysis precipitation amount of aluminum ions and iron ions at the current time is obtained, wherein the specific calculation formula for the hydrolysis precipitation amount of aluminum ions at the current time is: Where T is the leaching temperature, t is the current time, M Al is the amount of aluminum ion hydrolysis precipitation at the current time, [H + ] is the current setting value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, S Al is the saturation of aluminum ions in the solution, X Al is the leaching rate of aluminum ions in the solution, is the Al concentration in the slurry, which can be calculated by the ore composition, slurry concentration, and slurry flow rate. [Al2(SO4)3(aq)] is the solubility of aluminum sulfate in the solution. is the first sulfate concentration in the solution at the current time, [Al 3+ ] is the concentration of aluminum ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the ore composition, slurry concentration, and slurry flow rate. is the concentration of bisulfate ions in the solution, is the ionic strength of Al2(SO4)3.

8. The method for dynamic optimization of acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore according to claim 2, characterized in that: The specific calculation formula for the hydrolysis precipitation amount of iron ions at the current time is: Where T is the leaching temperature, M Fe is the amount of hydrolysis precipitation of iron ions at the current time, [H + ] is the current setting value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, S Fe is the saturation of iron ions in the solution, X Ni is the leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution, [Fe2(SO4)3(aq)] is the solubility of iron sulfate in the solution, is the maximum leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution, is the first sulfate concentration in the solution at the current time, [Fe 3+ ] is the concentration of iron ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the ore composition, slurry concentration, and slurry flow rate. is the concentration of bisulfate ions in the solution, is the ionic strength of [Fe2(SO4)3.

9. The method for dynamic optimization of acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore according to claim 2, characterized in that: According to the hydrolysis precipitation amount of aluminum ions and iron ions at the current time and the current sulfuric acid flow setting value, the first sulfate concentration in the solution at the current time is obtained, specifically including: Obtaining the total sulfate concentration according to the current sulfuric acid flow setting value; According to the hydrolysis precipitation amount of aluminum ions and iron ions at the current time, the sulfate content in the hydrolysis precipitation is obtained; According to the total sulfate concentration and the sulfate content in the hydrolysis precipitate, the first sulfate concentration in the solution at the current time is obtained.

10. The method for dynamic optimization of acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore according to claim 1, characterized in that: Compare the first sulfate concentration and the second sulfate concentration. If they are not equal, correct the set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution. Repeat the above steps until the first sulfate concentration and the second sulfate concentration are equal. At this time, the set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the current solution is output as the actual concentration of the hydrogen ions. The specific formula for correcting the set value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution is: [H + ](after correction)=[H + ](before correction)+k×(SO4 * -SO4 ** ) Among them, [H + ] (corrected) is the corrected hydrogen ion concentration setting value, [H + ] (before correction) is the current set value of hydrogen ion concentration, SO4 * is the first sulfate concentration, SO4 ** is the second sulfate concentration, and k is the proportionality coefficient.

11. The method for dynamic optimization of acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore according to claim 1, characterized in that: According to the relationship between the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution and the reaction time, the ore composition, slurry concentration, slurry flow rate, leaching temperature and the residence time of the slurry in the autoclave, the theoretical leaching rate of nickel at the current sulfuric acid flow rate when the leaching time reaches the residence time of the slurry in the autoclave is obtained. The specific calculation formula is: Where R is the gas constant, T is the leaching temperature, [H + ] is the value of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution at time t, t is the current time, X Ni is the leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution at the current time, It is the maximum leaching rate of nickel ions in the solution, which can be calculated based on the ore composition, slurry concentration and slurry flow rate.

12. The method for dynamic optimization of acid-ore ratio in high-pressure leaching of laterite nickel ore according to claim 1, characterized in that: Compare the theoretical leaching rate of nickel with the target leaching rate of nickel. If they are not equal, adjust the set value of the sulfuric acid flow rate and repeat the above steps until the theoretical leaching rate of nickel is equal to the target leaching rate of nickel. Specifically: If the theoretical leaching rate of nickel is greater than the target leaching rate of nickel, the set value of the sulfuric acid flow rate is reduced; If the theoretical leaching rate of nickel is less than the target leaching rate of nickel, the set value of the sulfuric acid flow rate is increased.

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