Autoclave device and autoclave

Abstract

The invention relates to an autoclave device (10), in particular for leaching of nickel-containing ores, comprising at least two agitators (70) and at least one reaction vessel (14), wherein the reaction vessel (14) has at least one passage chamber (22). It is proposed that the at least two agitators (70) be positioned in the passage chamber (22) and the passage chamber (22) be designed so as to be free of partitions between the agitators (70) at least in a main flow direction (28) of a fluid conveyed through the reaction vessel (14).

Description

[0001] Autoclave device and autoclave

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to an autoclave device according to claim 1 and an autoclave for leaching nickel-containing ores according to claim 13.

[0004] Autoclaves for leaching nickel-containing ores are known with agitators separated by partitions, wherein the partitions provide an overflow and / or underflow.

[0005] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with improved properties with regard to continuous operation. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1 and 13, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0006] Advantages of the invention

[0007] The invention relates to an autoclave device, in particular for the leaching of nickel-containing ores, with at least two agitators and with at least one reaction vessel, wherein the reaction vessel has at least one passage chamber.

[0008] It is proposed that the at least two agitators are arranged in the passage chamber and that the passage chamber is free of partitions between the agitators at least along one main flow direction of a fluid conveyed through the reaction vessel.

[0009] This design allows for an autoclave with improved characteristics for continuous operation, as it advantageously reduces deposits in the reaction vessel, particularly within the flow chamber. Furthermore, it advantageously improves the maintenance of the autoclave. Additionally, it advantageously reduces wear and tear on the autoclave, especially within the flow chamber. This allows for advantageous reductions in maintenance and cleaning intervals, particularly within the flow chamber, thereby reducing downtime and advantageously increasing operating time. Moreover, maintenance and / or manufacturing costs can be advantageously reduced because the autoclave has fewer partitions.Furthermore, the arrangement of at least two agitators within the flow chamber can advantageously achieve a more targeted mixing of the fluid, leading to a more uniform reaction and potentially higher yields.

[0010] In particular, the autoclave is designed to stir the fluid, especially abrasive fluid, contained in the reaction vessel, particularly under high pressure and high temperatures. Preferably, the autoclave is intended for ore processing, especially for the leaching of nickel-containing ores (HPAL), pressure oxidation (POX), pressure oxidative leaching (POL), and / or other ore processing processes. Preferably, the autoclave is designed for hydrometallurgical processing, particularly preferably for the leaching of nickel-containing ores, especially for the selective extraction of nickel and cobalt. Alternatively or additionally, its use for the recovery of other metals, the treatment of industrial waste, and / or the synthesis of chemical products is conceivable. The autoclave is particularly preferably designed for high-pressure acid leaching, especially using sulfuric acid as a wet leaching process.Preferably, the autoclave device is part of a high-pressure acid leaching system for the recovery of nickel and / or cobalt, wherein the system is designed to perform at least one of the following processes: a pretreatment, the high-pressure acid leaching in the autoclave device, a precipitation process and / or a refining process.

[0011] Preferably, the system includes a comminution and sorting unit for the pretreatment process, which is specifically designed to comminute and / or classify nickel ore, preferably to prepare feedstock sludge with a specific sludge concentration, containing in particular ore particles of at least 2 mm or less. The system specifically includes a preheater designed to gradually increase the temperature and / or pressure of the feedstock sludge. The pretreated feedstock sludge is then fed to the autoclave. Alternatively, the feedstock sludge is fed to the autoclave without pretreatment.

[0012] The autoclave is designed to add sulfuric acid to the starting material sludge and, in particular, to mix the mixture. Preferably, the reaction vessel is designed to provide an overpressure, in particular of at least 2 bar, preferably at least 10 bar, advantageously at least 20 bar, and most preferably between 35 bar and 60 bar. Preferably, the autoclave has a pressure control unit designed to regulate the pressure in the reaction vessel, in particular by supplying and / or removing gases and / or vapors. Particularly preferably, the temperature in the reaction vessel is set by supplying heated gases and / or vapors. The pressure control unit is specifically designed for temperature control.In particular, the set temperature is at least 100 °C, preferably at least 150 °C, advantageously at least 200 °C, and particularly preferably in a temperature range between 220 °C and 280 °C. Alternatively or additionally, the autoclave device has a heating unit, preferably electrically and / or steam-operated, located in partitions, which heats the fluid in the reaction vessel.

[0013] Preferably, the autoclave device, in particular the reaction vessel, is designed to lie horizontally. In particular, the reaction vessel is designed at least substantially cylindrical, especially capacitive cylindrical, with preferably at least one end of the reaction vessel being at least substantially hemispherical. However, other configurations of the reaction vessel are also conceivable, such as rectangular, spherical, and / or other configurations of the horizontal ends of the reaction vessel are conceivable, such as flat, elliptical, and / or angular. Preferably, the reaction vessel, especially for small product batches, and preferably for laboratory applications, has a length between 0.5 m and 5 m and, in particular, a diameter between 0.5 m and 1.5 m.In particular, the reaction vessel, especially for industrial applications, has a length of at least 5 m, preferably at least 15 m, advantageously at least 25 m and particularly preferably at least 35 m and in particular a diameter of at least 1 m, preferably at least 4 m, advantageously at least 6 m and particularly preferably at least 10 m.

[0014] Preferably, the reaction vessel has at least one inlet opening for an inflow and preferably one outlet opening for an outflow of the fluid conveyed in the reaction vessel. In particular, it is conceivable that the through-chamber has at least the inlet opening and / or the outlet opening. Preferably, the reaction vessel has at least two and particularly preferably at least three chambers, wherein the additional chambers preferably have the inlet opening and / or the outlet opening. Preferably, at least the through-chamber, and preferably all chambers, of the reaction vessel are intended for the stepwise leaching of the nickel-containing ores.The phrase "the flow chamber is free of partitions located between the agitators" means, in particular, that the flow chamber is continuous, and specifically that the flow chamber is free of elements located between the agitators that restrict fluid flow along the main flow direction and, in particular, extend horizontally at least substantially completely in a transverse section of the reaction vessel, preferably at least in a section of the maximum diameter of the flow chamber, and preferably provide an overflow and / or underflow. A "transverse section" is understood to mean, in particular, an extension that is perpendicular to a main axis, especially a central axis, of the reaction vessel.It is particularly preferred that the flow chamber is completely free of partitions extending over a transverse cross-section. In particular, the flow chamber extends along the central axis of the reaction vessel, which is preferably arranged horizontally, and is limited in the transverse direction, in particular, by the wall of the reaction vessel. Preferably, the main flow direction of the fluid conveyed in the reaction vessel is from the inlet opening to the outlet opening, in particular at least substantially in the direction of the central axis of the reaction vessel, which is preferably arranged horizontally. Preferably, the reaction vessel, particularly in the flow chamber, has guide vanes and / or flow baffles designed to generate a predominantly axial flow, which advantageously improves the flow dynamics within the reaction vessel.

[0015] Preferably, the at least two agitators have an axis of rotation, which is particularly perpendicular to the central axis of the reaction vessel, which is particularly horizontal. Preferably, the at least two agitators each have at least one stirring element, which is particularly designed to stir the fluid in the reaction vessel. In particular, the at least two agitators each have an agitator shaft to which the stirring element is attached. In particular, the autoclave device can also comprise a plurality of agitators, in particular at least two, preferably at least three, advantageously at least five, and particularly preferably at least seven, wherein preferably each chamber besides the through-chamber has at least one agitator.Furthermore, it is conceivable that the passage chamber has a plurality of agitators, in particular at least three, preferably at least five and particularly preferably at least seven, wherein the passage chamber is in each case free of partition walls located between the agitators.

[0016] In particular, the at least two agitators are connected to at least one control and / or regulating unit of the autoclave device, which is designed to provide automated adjustment of the operating parameters. Preferably, sensors of the autoclave device monitor the agitator speed, temperature, temperature distribution, and / or pressure and adjust the agitators, in particular the agitator speed, accordingly. Specifically, the pressure control unit is controlled and / or regulated by the sensors via the control and / or regulating unit. In particular, the at least two agitators extend into the reaction vessel by at least 20%, preferably at least 40%, advantageously at least 60%, and particularly preferably at least 80% of the diameter of the reaction vessel. "Designed" is understood to mean specifically designed and / or equipped.The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0017] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least two agitators be arranged at least substantially side by side along the main flow direction, and in particular at least substantially in one plane. This advantageously ensures a targeted distribution of the fluid in the flow chamber, which advantageously leads to effective mixing of the ore to be leached with the acid. Preferably, the flows of the at least two agitators in the flow chamber influence each other, in particular deflect each other and / or generate further turbulence. In particular, the axis of rotation of the at least two agitators, especially the agitator shaft, passes at least approximately through the central axis of the reaction vessel, which is arranged horizontally.The phrase "that the agitators are arranged at least substantially in one plane" shall in particular mean that the axes of rotation of the at least two agitators are at least approximately parallel to each other, the plane preferably being formed by the central axis of the reaction vessel, which is in particular arranged horizontally, and by a plane orthogonal to a base surface of the reaction vessel.

[0018] It is further proposed that the reaction vessel have at least one inlet chamber, which influences the fluid conveyed in the reaction vessel and is located upstream of the main flow chamber when viewed along the main flow direction. This advantageously allows for preconditioning of the fluid in the reaction vessel, so that the fluid with an optimal composition enters the main flow chamber. Furthermore, this advantageously optimizes the efficiency of the leaching process.

[0019] Preferably, the inlet chamber has an inlet opening for the fluid conveyed in the reaction vessel. Preferably, the starting material sludge is introduced into the inlet chamber, and the leaching process is continued stepwise from the inlet chamber to the through-chamber. In particular, the at least two agitators in the through-chamber are designed to stir the fluid preconditioned by the inlet chamber. The inlet chamber is specifically located downstream of the through-chamber, with the fluid preferably flowing directly from the inlet chamber into the through-chamber along the main flow direction. In particular, the wall of the reaction vessel is at least substantially continuous at the transition between the chambers of the reaction vessel, especially between the inlet chamber and the through-chamber.Preferably, the inlet chamber is horizontally bounded by the hemispherical end of the reaction vessel. More preferably, the inlet chamber is bounded at least by a horizontal end of the reaction vessel, which is particularly horizontally oriented. Most preferably, the horizontal end of the inlet chamber is free of flow disturbances. This advantageously improves the maintenance of the autoclave and further reduces wear.

[0020] Furthermore, it is proposed that the respective chambers of the reaction vessel, in particular at least the inlet chamber and the through-chamber, be at least partially separated from each other by at least one partition. This advantageously allows for precise control of the fluid flow between the chambers, which is particularly crucial for maintaining optimal reaction conditions. Furthermore, it advantageously provides improved selectivity and efficiency of the leaching process. Preferably, the partitions are made of a corrosion-resistant material, such as titanium, duplex stainless steel, and / or are provided with a corrosion-resistant coating. Preferably, each chamber of the reaction vessel is separated from another chamber by a partition. Preferably, the partitions are designed to restrict the fluid flow along the main flow direction.Preferably, the at least one partition wall extends at least substantially completely along the transverse side of the reaction vessel, at least in one section, and is designed to provide an overflow and / or underflow. Preferably, the at least one partition wall is configured as an overflow partition wall, wherein the partition wall has an opening in an upper section of the reaction vessel and the fluid in the reaction vessel flows over the partition wall between two chambers; as an underflow partition wall, wherein the partition wall has an opening in a lower section of the reaction vessel and the fluid in the reaction vessel flows under the partition wall between two chambers; and / or as perforated plates, particularly with a plurality of openings, preferably of different sizes and / or arrangements.

[0021] Furthermore, it is proposed that the autoclave device has two additional agitators, wherein the inlet chamber contains only these two additional agitators, at least along the main flow direction. The integration of these two additional agitators advantageously enables efficient pretreatment of the fluid in the inlet chamber before it enters the through-chamber. Preferably, the two additional agitators of the inlet chamber are at least approximately identical to the at least two agitators of the through-chamber. Preferably, the two additional agitators of the inlet chamber are arranged at least substantially adjacent to the at least two agitators of the through-chamber along the main flow direction, and in particular, at least substantially in the same plane.It is conceivable that the inlet chamber has a partition between the two additional agitators, which is designed in particular according to the partition between the respective chambers of the reaction vessel. Preferably, the number of agitators in the through-chamber, in particular the length of the through-chamber, is variable, especially in the manufacture of the autoclave device, and in particular the number of agitators in the inlet chamber, in particular the length of the inlet chamber, is fixed.

[0022] The phrase "only" having one agitator in a chamber means, in particular, that the chamber contains only one main agitator of the autoclave device, which has a significant influence on the leaching process, so that smaller secondary agitators in the respective chambers are not further restricted. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the restriction applies to all agitators in the respective chamber. The phrase "only" having a limited number of agitators "along the main flow direction" means, in particular, that the chamber contains at least one agitator or a plurality of agitators on an axis orthogonal to the horizontally arranged central axis of the reaction vessel and that the number of agitators along the main flow direction is limited to the number specified by "only".The respective chamber is particularly favorably characterized by a limited number of agitators throughout the entire chamber.

[0023] Furthermore, it is proposed that the inlet chamber be designed without partitions located between the other agitators. This will advantageously further reduce deposits and wear in the inlet chamber. Additionally, downtime and maintenance costs of the autoclave can be further reduced.The phrase "that the inlet chamber is free of partitions located between the agitators" shall in particular mean that the inlet chamber is continuous, wherein the inlet chamber is free of elements located between the agitators which restrict the flow of the fluid along the main flow direction and which, in particular, extend horizontally in the transverse plane of the reaction vessel at least in one section, at least substantially completely, in particular between a wall of the reaction vessel, and preferably provide an overflow and / or underflow.

[0024] Furthermore, it is proposed that the reaction vessel has at least one discharge chamber, which has an outlet for the fluid conveyed through the reaction vessel and is arranged downstream of the flow chamber. This advantageously ensures that the fluid has passed through all necessary reaction stages before leaving the reaction vessel. Preferably, the discharge chamber for the outflow has the outlet opening for the fluid conveyed in the reaction vessel. Preferably, the starting material sludge is introduced into the inlet chamber, and the leaching process is continued stepwise from the inlet chamber through the flow chamber to the discharge chamber. In particular, the at least two agitators in the flow chamber are designed to feed the fluid conveyed in the reaction vessel to the discharge chamber.In particular, the outlet chamber is formed downstream of the flow chamber, with the fluid preferably flowing directly from the flow chamber into the outlet chamber along the main flow direction. In particular, the wall of the reaction vessel is at least substantially continuous at a transition between the chambers of the reaction vessel, especially between the outlet chamber and the flow chamber. Preferably, the outlet chamber is at least bounded by a horizontal end of the reaction vessel, which is preferably horizontally oriented. Particularly preferably, the flow chamber is bounded along the main flow direction, especially along the central axis of the reaction vessel, which is preferably horizontally arranged, only by the partitions, particularly those separating it from the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. Particularly preferably, the horizontal end of the outlet chamber is free of flow disturbances.This can advantageously improve the maintenance of the autoclave device and further reduce wear.

[0025] Furthermore, it is proposed that the autoclave device includes an additional agitator, with the outlet chamber having only this one additional agitator, at least along the main flow direction. This advantageously allows for final mixing of the fluid by the single agitator in the outlet chamber before it leaves the reaction vessel. This can advantageously contribute to improving the homogeneity of the final product. Preferably, the reaction vessel has an inlet chamber with only two agitators, immediately followed by a through-chamber with at least two agitators, and immediately following that, the outlet chamber with the single agitator. Preferably, the at least one agitator of the outlet chamber is at least approximately identical to the at least two agitators of the through-chamber and / or the two agitators of the inlet chamber.Preferably, the single agitator of the outlet chamber is arranged at least substantially side by side with the at least two agitators of the through-chamber along the main flow direction, and in particular at least substantially in one plane. In particular, the number of agitators in the outlet chamber is fixed.

[0026] It is further proposed that the reaction vessel has at least one intermediate inlet chamber arranged between the inlet chamber and the through-chamber. This advantageously allows for further optimization of the preconditioning of the fluid conveyed in the reaction vessel before it enters the through-chamber, so that the fluid enters the through-chamber with an optimal composition. The intermediate inlet chamber also advantageously enables fine-tuning of the process conditions and better adaptation to the specific requirements of the leaching process. Preferably, the fluid in the reaction vessel, in particular the starting material sludge, is conveyed from the inlet chamber to the intermediate inlet chamber and, more specifically, from the intermediate inlet chamber to the through-chamber.Preferably, the intermediate inlet chamber is located directly adjacent to the inlet chamber and / or the through-chamber. Preferably, the intermediate inlet chamber is limited along the main flow direction, particularly along the horizontally arranged central axis of the reaction vessel, only by the partitions between the chambers. In particular, the reaction vessel comprises only one through-chamber, inlet chamber, outlet chamber, and / or intermediate inlet chamber.

[0027] Furthermore, it is proposed that the autoclave device includes an additional agitator, wherein the intermediate inlet chamber has only this one additional agitator, at least along the main flow direction. This advantageously allows for targeted mixing of the fluid conveyed in the reaction vessel before it enters the through-chamber. Preferably, the at least one agitator of the intermediate inlet chamber is at least approximately identical to the at least two agitators of the through-chamber, the single agitator of the outlet chamber, and / or the two agitators of the inlet chamber. Preferably, the single agitator of the intermediate inlet chamber is arranged at least substantially adjacent to the at least two agitators of the through-chamber along the main flow, and in particular at least substantially in the same plane.In particular, the number of agitators in the intermediate entry chamber, and especially the length of the intermediate entry chamber, is fixed.

[0028] Alternatively, the intermediate entry chamber could have at least one agitator, and in particular a plurality of agitators. An intermediate exit chamber, arranged between the passage chamber and the exit chamber, is also conceivable and is preferably designed at least substantially in accordance with the intermediate entry chamber.

[0029] Furthermore, it is proposed that the longitudinal extent and / or volume of the through-chamber be at least substantially larger, preferably by an integer multiple, than that of another chamber of the reaction vessel containing only a single agitator, in particular the inlet chamber, the intermediate inlet chamber, and / or the outlet chamber. This advantageously reduces maintenance in longer reaction vessels due to the absence of partitions in the through-chamber. Preferably, the through-chamber is larger in terms of longitudinal extent and / or volume according to a ratio of the number of agitators in the through-chamber to that of the chamber containing only a single agitator. In particular, the longitudinal extent and / or volume of the through-chamber is at least 1.5 times, at least 3 times, at least 4 times, or at least 5 times larger than that of the chamber containing only agitator.Alternatively, it is conceivable that the longitudinal extent and / or volume of the passage chamber is greater than the ratio of the number of agitators in the passage chamber to the agitator in the chamber having only one agitator; in particular, the passage chamber has two agitators and the longitudinal extent and / or volume of the passage chamber is at least 2.5 times or at least 3 times as large.

[0030] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one of the agitators be designed to at least partially localize the fluid flow within the agitator area. At least one of the agitators is specifically designed to at least partially localize the fluid flow within the agitator area. This allows for targeted control of the flow dynamics and improved control over the reaction conditions in the flow chamber, which can lead to increased efficiency of the leaching process. Preferably, at least the flow chamber includes the agitator designed to at least partially localize the fluid flow within the agitator area. Preferably, the agitator includes at least one stirring element designed to localize the flow.Advantageously, the agitator has several, preferably identical, impeller blades, in particular at least two, preferably at least three, and most preferably at least four impeller blades. The agitator, and in particular the impeller, is preferably designed for stirring, mixing, homogenizing, dispersing, and / or suspending, in particular, abrasive fluids, preferably those prone to fouling, and preferably for ore processing. The at least one impeller blade preferably consists at least partially, preferably at least to a large extent, and most preferably entirely of an alloy and / or a metal, in particular stainless steel, duplex steel, and / or advantageously titanium, in particular titanium of any grade, preferably of at least 2 and at most 12. In particular, the impeller is surface-hardened, in particular coated.The term "at least to a large extent" shall be understood to mean at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, and most preferably at least 90%. "Partially localized flow" shall be understood to mean, in particular, that the flow generated by the geometric design of the agitator, especially the agitator element, is at least substantially closed, and in particular, recurring to the agitator. The agitator, and in particular the agitator element, is particularly preferably designed to generate a flow that is at least substantially torus-shaped. The agitator is particularly preferably designed to generate a flow that is at least substantially axial, and in particular parallel to the axis of rotation of the agitator, between the agitators in the passage chamber.The at least two agitators of the passage chamber are particularly preferably designed to generate the localized flow, wherein the flow between the agitators preferably meets at least substantially. Preferably, the agitator is designed to create a fluid separation of the passage chamber free of separating elements by means of the localized flow.

[0031] In particular, the agitator, especially as an axially conveying agitator, is designed to rotate about the axis of rotation and especially includes a contour unit designed to reduce wear on the at least one agitator blade. Preferably, the contour unit is designed as a geometric unit and / or a geometric shape of the at least one agitator blade, which is arranged, attached, and / or at least partially contacted on at least one surface and / or at least one partial area of ​​the at least one agitator blade, wherein the contour unit and / or an element of the contour unit is preferably arranged at a location susceptible to abrasion, and wherein the contour unit preferably comprises at least one contour curvature element formed by a curved partial area of ​​the at least one agitator blade and having a smaller radius of curvature compared to at least one agitator blade curvature of the at least one agitator blade.In particular, the at least one contour curvature element has a bending axis which preferably forms an angle y between 15° and 75° with a leading edge of the agitator blade in the viewing direction along the axis of rotation, and in a direction of rotation of the at least one agitator blade towards the leading edge. Preferably, the contour curvature element is arranged at least substantially at a leading edge and / or a trailing edge of the agitator blade of the at least one agitator blade.

[0032] Furthermore, an autoclave is proposed for the leaching of nickel-containing ores using an autoclave device.

[0033] The autoclave device and the autoclave are not to be limited to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, the autoclave device and the autoclave may, to fulfill a function described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, and units than specified herein.

[0034] Drawings

[0035] Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0036] They show:

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of an autoclave with an autoclave device having a reaction vessel comprising a passage chamber, an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the reaction vessel with a partition wall.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of part of a mixer with a stirring element,

[0040] Fig. 4 shows a schematic of the autoclave device with the passage chamber, comprising at least two agitators; Fig. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of an autoclave with an alternative autoclave device having a reaction vessel which additionally has an intermediate entry chamber; and

[0041] Fig. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of an autoclave with a further alternative autoclave device having a reaction vessel having an inlet chamber, wherein the inlet chamber has a partition.

[0042] Description of the exemplary implementations

[0043] Figure 1 shows an autoclave 12 with an autoclave device 10. The autoclave device 10 is designed for leaching nickel-containing ores. The autoclave device 10 is designed for high-pressure acid leaching using sulfuric acid as a wet leaching process.

[0044] The autoclave device 10 comprises at least one reaction vessel 14. The reaction vessel 14 is designed to hold a fluid. The reaction vessel 14 is designed to hold the nickel-containing ores. The leaching of the nickel-containing ores takes place in the reaction vessel 14. The reaction vessel 14 is designed to provide an overpressure between 20 bar and 60 bar. The reaction vessel 14 is horizontally oriented. The reaction vessel 14 is at least substantially cylindrical in shape. The reaction vessel 14 is at least substantially hemispherical at both horizontal ends. The reaction vessel 14 has baffles and / or flow baffles designed to generate at least partially turbulent flow.

[0045] The autoclave 10 has a pressure control unit designed to provide overpressure. The pressure control unit regulates the pressure in the reaction vessel 14 by supplying and / or removing gases and / or vapors. The gases and / or vapors heat the fluid in the reaction vessel 14 to a temperature range between 220 °C and 280 °C. The pressure control unit is designed to heat the fluid with the gases and / or vapors in the reaction vessel 14. The autoclave 10 has at least two agitators 70. The at least two agitators 70 are designed to stir a fluid located in the reaction vessel 14. The autoclave 10 has a plurality of agitators 70, 72, 74. The autoclave 10 has six agitators 70, 72, 74. The agitators 70, 72, 74 are partially arranged in the reaction vessel 14.The agitators 70, 72, 74 of the reaction vessel 14 are geometrically identical. The agitators may have different motor power outputs. Each agitator 70, 72, 74 has an agitator shaft 82 (see Figure 3). Each agitator 70, 72, 74 has at least one agitator 84. The agitator 84 is attached to an agitator shaft 82 of the agitator 70, 72, 74. It is also conceivable that one of the agitators 70, 72, 74 has two or more agitator 84s on one agitator shaft 82.

[0046] The reaction vessel 14 has at least three chambers. The chambers of the reaction vessel 14 are designed for the stepwise leaching of the nickel-containing ores. The reaction vessel 14 has at least one through-chamber 22. The at least two agitators 70 are arranged in the through-chamber 22. The through-chamber 22 is free of partitions located between the agitators 70, at least along one main flow direction 28 of the fluid conveyed through the reaction vessel 14. The through-chamber 22 is completely free of partitions. The through-chamber 22 is continuous. The through-chamber 22 extends along a horizontally arranged central axis of the reaction vessel 14. The through-chamber 22 is bounded in a transverse direction by a wall 16 of the reaction vessel 14. The main flow direction 28 is at least substantially in the direction of the horizontally arranged central axis of the reaction vessel 14.The at least two agitators 70 are arranged at least substantially side by side along the main flow direction 28. The at least two agitators 70 are arranged at least substantially in one plane along the main flow direction 28. The at least two agitators 70 have axes of rotation 80. The axes of rotation 80 of the at least two agitators 70 are at least approximately parallel to each other.

[0047] The reaction vessel 14 has at least one inlet chamber 18.

[0048] Inlet chamber 18 is located at one of the horizontal ends of reaction vessel 14.

[0049] Inlet chamber 18 is located at one of the hemispherical ends of the reaction vessel 14. It is conceivable that the horizontal end of inlet chamber 18 is free of flow baffles (see Figure 1, dashed line representing a flow baffle 60). Inlet chamber 18 has an inlet 30 for the fluid conveyed in the reaction vessel 14. Viewed along the main flow direction 28, inlet chamber 18 is located upstream of the passage chamber 22. Inlet chamber 18 is located upstream of passage chamber 22. The cylindrical wall 16 of the reaction vessel 14 extends at least over inlet chamber 18 and passage chamber 22. Passage chamber 22 is located directly adjacent to inlet chamber 18. The reaction vessel 14 has at least one inlet opening 32 for the inlet 30 of the fluid located in the reaction vessel 14.The nickel-containing ores to be leached are introduced into the inlet opening 32. The reaction vessel 14 has at least one further inlet opening 38. This further inlet opening 38 is intended for the addition of sulfuric acid for leaching the nickel-containing ores.

[0050] The autoclave device 10 has two additional agitators 72. The inlet chamber 18 has only these two additional agitators 72, at least along the main flow direction 28. The inlet chamber 18 has only these two additional agitators 72. The inlet chamber 18 is free of partitions located between the additional agitators 72. The inlet chamber 18 is continuous. The inlet chamber 18 is completely free of transversely extending partitions. The two additional agitators 72 in the inlet chamber 18 are at least substantially in the same plane as the at least two agitators 70 of the passage chamber 22. The axes of rotation 80 of the agitators 72 of the inlet chamber 18 are parallel to the axes of rotation 80 of the agitators 70 of the passage chamber 22. The agitators 72 of the inlet chamber 18 can have a higher motor power than the additional agitators 70, 74.

[0051] The reaction vessel 14 has at least one outlet chamber 24. The outlet chamber 24 is located at one of the horizontal ends of the reaction vessel 14. The outlet chamber 24 is located at one of the hemispherical ends of the reaction vessel 14. It is conceivable that the horizontal end of the outlet chamber 24 is free of flow baffles (see Figure 1, dashed representation of a flow baffle 62). The outlet chamber 24 is located downstream of the passage chamber 22 when viewed along the main flow direction 28. The outlet chamber 24 is located downstream of the passage chamber 22. The outlet chamber 24 is continuous. The outlet chamber 24 is free of transversely extending partitions. The outlet chamber 24 has at least one outlet 34 for the fluid conveyed through the reaction vessel 14.The reaction vessel 14 has at least one outlet opening 36 for the outflow 34 of the fluid contained in the reaction vessel 14. The reaction vessel 14 has the outlet opening 36 for the leached nickel-containing ores. The main flow direction 28 of the fluid conveyed in the reaction vessel 14 is from the inlet opening 32 to the outlet opening 36.

[0052] The autoclave device 10 has an additional agitator 74. The outlet chamber 24 has only this one additional agitator 74, at least along the main flow direction 28. The outlet chamber 24 has only this one additional agitator 74. The agitator 74 in the outlet chamber 24 is at least substantially in the same plane as the at least two agitators 70 of the passage chamber 22. The axis of rotation 80 of the agitator 74 of the outlet chamber 24 is parallel to the axes of rotation 80 of the agitators 70 of the passage chamber 22.

[0053] The longitudinal extent of the passage chamber 22 is at least substantially several times larger than that of another chamber of the reaction vessel 14 which contains only a stirrer. The volume of the passage chamber 22 is at least substantially several times larger than that of another chamber of the reaction vessel 14 which contains only a stirrer. The longitudinal extent and / or volume of the passage chamber 22 is at least substantially several times larger than that of the inlet chamber 18. The longitudinal extent and / or volume of the passage chamber 22 is at least substantially an integer multiple larger than that of another chamber of the reaction vessel 14 which contains only a stirrer. The longitudinal extent and / or volume of the passage chamber 22 is at least substantially an integer multiple larger than that of the outlet chamber 24.The longitudinal extent and / or volume of the inlet chamber 22 is at least substantially twice that of the outlet chamber 24. The reaction vessel 14 has at least two partitions 40, 46. The respective chambers of the reaction vessel 14 are fluidically separated from each other, at least partially, by at least one of the partitions 40, 46. The inlet chamber 18 and the inlet chamber 22 are separated by a partition 40. The inlet chamber 22 and the outlet chamber 24 are separated by a partition 46. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of one of the partitions 40, 46. The partitions 40, 46 restrict the inlet chamber 22 along the main flow direction 28.The partitions 40 and 46 are designed to facilitate stepwise leaching. Partition 40 has an overflow opening 48 for an overflow of the fluid conveyed in the reaction vessel 14. Partition 46 has an underflow opening 50 for an underflow of the fluid conveyed in the reaction vessel 14. The partition 40 between the inlet chamber 18 and the transfer chamber 22 and the partition 46 between the transfer chamber 22 and the outlet chamber 24 are at least substantially identical. The partitions 40 and 46 in the reaction vessel 14 are at least substantially identical to each other. The partitions 40 and 46 have different heights, so that a continuous overflow system is provided along the main flow direction of the fluid in the reaction vessel.

[0054] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of part of the agitator 70. At least one of the agitators 70 is designed to at least partially localize the fluid flow within the agitator 70. The agitator 70 is designed to generate a flow, at least substantially vertical to the axis of rotation 80 of the agitator 70, between the at least two agitators 70 in the passage chamber 22. The agitator 70 is designed to create a fluid separation of the passage chamber 22 without the need for any separating elements by means of the localized flow. The impeller 84 of the agitator 70 is designed to generate the localized flow. The impeller 84 is configured to generate a flow that is at least substantially torus-shaped. The impeller 84 is attached to the agitator shaft 82 by means of an impeller hub 86. The impeller 84 has several identical impeller blades 88.The agitator blades 88 are attached to the agitator hub 86 by a blade attachment element 102. The blade attachment element 102 is at least substantially rod-shaped. The blade attachment element 102 is at least substantially cylindrical.

[0055] The agitator 84 has a contour unit 90, which is designed to reduce wear on the at least one agitator blade 88. The contour unit 90 is designed as a geometric unit and / or a geometric shape of the at least one agitator blade 88, which is arranged, attached and / or at least partially contacted on at least one surface and / or at least one partial area of ​​the at least one agitator blade 88, wherein the contour unit 90 and / or an element of the contour unit 90 is arranged at a location susceptible to abrasion, wherein the contour unit 90 comprises at least one contour curvature element 92, which is formed by a curved partial area of ​​the at least one agitator blade 88 and has a smaller radius of curvature compared to at least one agitator blade curvature 94 of the at least one agitator blade 88.The at least one contour curvature element 92 has a bending axis 100 which, in the viewing direction along the axis of rotation 80, forms an angle y between 15° and 75° with a leading edge 96 of the agitator blade 88 in a direction of rotation of the at least one agitator blade 88 towards the leading edge 96. The contour curvature element 92 is arranged at least substantially at the leading edge 96 and / or a trailing edge 98 of the agitator blade 88.

[0056] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the autoclave device 10. The reaction vessel 14 has a structure according to the diagram. Along the main flow direction 28, downstream of exactly two agitators 72 and the inlet chamber 18, the reaction vessel 14 has a partition 40. According to the diagram, the inlet chamber 18 has exactly two agitators 72. Along the main flow direction 28, exactly upstream of the last agitator 74 and the outlet chamber 24, the reaction vessel 14 has a partition 46. According to the diagram, the reaction vessel 14 has a partition 46 upstream of n-1 agitators, delimiting the outlet chamber 24, where n is the total number of agitators 70, 72, 74, 76 in the reaction vessel 14. According to the diagram, the outlet chamber 24 has exactly one agitator 74.

[0057] According to the diagram, the number of agitators 70 in the passage chamber 22 can be adapted to the system requirements by means of an agitator selection 78. The passage chamber 22 is separated from the outlet chamber 24 by the partition 46. An intermediate inlet chamber 20 is optionally located between the inlet chamber 18 and the passage chamber 22. The intermediate inlet chamber 20 and the passage chamber 22 are separated by a further partition 44.

[0058] Investigations have shown that in the passage chamber 22, the quality of the leaching of nickel-bearing ores is advantageously maintained with a number of agitators 70 greater than two. Investigations have shown that two partitions 40, 46 are essential for maintaining the quality of the leaching of nickel-bearing ores. Investigations have shown that partition 46, delimiting the outlet chamber 24, and partition 40, delimiting the inlet chamber 18, are essential for maintaining the quality of the leaching of the nickel-bearing ores.

[0059] Figures 5 and 6 show alternative embodiments of the autoclave device 10. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the same reference numerals are used for identical assemblies, and reference is made to the illustrations in Figures 1 to 4. The following discussion focuses only on the details that distinguish the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 from the alternative embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0060] Figure 5 schematically depicts an alternative autoclave device 10. A reaction vessel 14 of the autoclave device 10 has at least one intermediate entry chamber 20. The intermediate entry chamber 20 is arranged between an entry chamber 18 and a through-chamber 22 of the reaction vessel 14. The longitudinal extent and / or volume of the through-chamber 22 is at least substantially larger than that of the intermediate entry chamber 20 by an integer multiple. The longitudinal extent and / or volume of the through-chamber 22 is at least substantially twice that of the intermediate entry chamber 20. The autoclave device 10 has a further agitator 76. The intermediate entry chamber 20 has only this one further agitator 76 along at least one main flow direction 28 of a fluid conveyed in the reaction vessel 14. The intermediate entry chamber 20 has only this one further agitator 76.The agitator 76 in the intermediate entry chamber 20 is at least partially designed for the stepwise leaching of the nickel-containing ores from the entry chamber 18 to the transit chamber 22. The intermediate entry chamber 20 is directly separated from the entry chamber 18 by a partition 40. The intermediate entry chamber 20 is directly separated from the transit chamber 22 by a partition 44.

[0061] Figure 6 schematically depicts another alternative autoclave device 10. The autoclave device 10 comprises a reactor vessel with an inlet chamber 18. The inlet chamber 18 contains only two agitators 72. The inlet chamber 18 includes a partition 42. The partition 42 is arranged between the two agitators 72. The inlet chamber 18 has an inlet opening 32. A fluid conveyed in the reaction vessel 14 is fed along a main flow direction 28 to the first agitator 72 within the inlet chamber 18. The partition 42 between the two agitators 72 in the inlet chamber 18 is designed for the stepwise preconditioning of the fluid conveyed in the reaction vessel 14.

[0062] Reference sign

[0063] 10 Auto body repair

[0064] 12 Autoclaves

[0065] 14 reaction vessels

[0066] 16 wall

[0067] 18 Entrance Chamber

[0068] 20 Intermediate Entry Chamber

[0069] 22 Transit Chamber

[0070] 24 Exit Chamber

[0071] 28 Main flow direction

[0072] 30 Influence

[0073] 32 Entrance opening

[0074] 34 Discharge

[0075] 36 Exit opening

[0076] 38 Entrance opening

[0077] 40 partition wall

[0078] 42 Partition wall

[0079] 44 Partition wall

[0080] 46 Partition wall

[0081] 48 Overflow opening

[0082] 50 Underflow opening

[0083] 60 flow disruptors

[0084] 62 flow disruptors

[0085] 70 agitator

[0086] 72 Agitator

[0087] 74 Agitator

[0088] 76 Agitator

[0089] 78 Stirrer selection

[0090] 80° axis of rotation

[0091] 82 Agitator shaft Agitator element Agitator element hub Agitator blade Contour unit Contour curvature element Agitator blade curvature Agitator blade leading edge Agitator blade trailing edge Bending axis Blade attachment element

Claims

Claims 1. Autoclave device (10), in particular for leaching nickel-containing ores, with at least two agitators (70) and with at least one reaction vessel (14), wherein the reaction vessel (14) has at least one passage chamber (22), characterized in that the at least two agitators (70) are arranged in the passage chamber (22) and the passage chamber (22) is designed to be free of partitions located between the agitators (70) at least along a main flow direction (28) of a fluid conveyed through the reaction vessel (14).

2. Autoclave device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two agitators (70) are arranged along the main flow direction (28) at least substantially next to each other, in particular at least substantially in one plane.

3. Autoclave device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reaction vessel (14) has at least one inlet chamber (18) which has an influence (30) for the fluid conveyed in the reaction vessel (14) and is arranged upstream of the passage chamber (22) when viewed along the main flow direction (28).

4. Autoclave device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the respective chambers of the reaction vessel (14), in particular at least the inlet chamber (18) and the passage chamber (22), are at least partially separated from each other by at least one partition (40) in terms of fluid flow.

5. Autoclave device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by two further agitators (72), wherein the inlet chamber (18) has only the two further agitators (72) at least along the main flow direction (28).

6. Autoclave device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the inlet chamber (18) is designed free of partition walls located between the further agitators (72).

7. Autoclave device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reaction vessel (14) has at least one outlet chamber (24) which has an outlet (34) for the fluid conveyed through the reaction vessel (14) and is arranged downstream of the passage chamber (22).

8. Autoclave device (10) according to claim 7, characterized by a further agitator (74), wherein the outlet chamber (24) has only the one further agitator (74) at least along the main flow direction (28).

9. Autoclave device (10) at least according to claims 3 and 7, characterized in that the reaction vessel (14) has at least one intermediate entry chamber (20) which is arranged between the entry chamber (18) and the transit chamber (22).

10. Autoclave device (10) according to claim 7, characterized by a further agitator (76), wherein the intermediate entry chamber (20) has only the one further agitator (76) at least along the main flow direction (28).

11. Autoclave device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a longitudinal extent and / or a volume of the passage chamber (22) is at least substantially larger by a, preferably integer, multiple than a further chamber of the reaction vessel (14) comprising only a stirrer, in particular the Entry Chamber (18), Intermediate Entry Chamber (20) and / or Exit Chamber (24).

12. Autoclave device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the agitators (70, 72, 74, 76) contributes to at least partial localization of the fluid flow in the region of the Agitator (70, 72, 74, 76) is provided.

13. Autoclave (12) for leaching nickel-containing ores with an autoclave device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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