A nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system

Abstract

This application relates to a nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system, which includes a multi-stage washing component, an iron and aluminum removal component, a tailing mixing component, and a tailing treatment component. The tailing mixing component is connected to the overflow end of the previous-stage washing unit of two adjacent washing units and to the underflow end of the iron and aluminum removal component. The discharge end of the tailing mixing component is connected to the next-stage washing unit of the two adjacent washing units. The tailing mixing component can receive the underflow from the iron and aluminum removal component. When the washing liquid overflows from one of the washing units and enters the tailing mixing component, it dilutes the underflow from the iron and aluminum removal component. The diluted mixture is then returned to the next-stage washing unit for further washing. Ultimately, the entire underflow from the iron and aluminum removal process is delivered to the multi-stage counter-current washing process, allowing for further recovery of nickel, cobalt, and manganese from the underflow of the iron and aluminum removal process. Meanwhile, the tailing treatment component processes the underflow after tailing mixing and the multi-stage counter-current washing process, significantly reducing the tailing treatment costs.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] A NICKEL LATERITE TAILING CONFLUENCE TREATMENT SYSTEM

[0003] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] This application relates to the field of hydrometallurgical technology for nickel laterite , speci fically to a nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system .

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Currently, in the hydrometallurgical process for nickel laterite , both the multi-stage counter-current washing process and the iron and aluminum removal process generate tailings . Speci fically, the underflow from the multi-stage counter-current washing process can be neutrali zed and then processed through a plate filter press to form cake-like tailings , while the underflow from the iron and aluminum removal process is typically recycled and treated multiple times using filtration and washing before being discharged . Currently, the tailings generated from the multi-stage countercurrent washing process and the iron and aluminum removal process are handled separately . These two separate tailing treatment routes are not conducive to reducing costs , especially the treatment method for tailings in the iron and aluminum removal process , which remains costly .

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] In view of this , it is necessary to provide a nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system to address the issue of high costs caused by the separate treatment of tailings generated from the multi-stage counter-current washing process and the iron and aluminum removal process .

[0009] This application provides a nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system, which includes a multi-stage washing component , an iron and aluminum removal component , a tailing mixing component , and a tailing treatment component . The multi-stage washing component includes at least three washing units , each having an overflow end and an underflow end . The at least three washing units are arranged sequentially along a washing direction, where the overflow end of any given washing unit is connected to the feed end of the next-stage washing unit , and its underflow end is connected to the feed end of the previous-stage washing unit . The iron and aluminum removal component has an underflow end, and its feed end is connected to the overflow end of the washing unit located at the terminal end along the washing direction . The feed end of the tailing mixing component is connected to the overflow end of the previous-stage washing unit of the two adj acent washing units and to the underflow end of the iron and aluminum removal component . The discharge end of the tailing mixing component is connected to the feed end of the next-stage washing unit of the two adj acent washing units . The feed end of the tailing treatment component is connected to the underflow end of the washing unit located at the first stage along the washing direction . The feed end of the tailing mixing component is connected to the washing unit in the multi-stage washing component that is at least at the third stage along the washing direction .

[0010] Furthermore , the multi-stage washing component includes a first-stage washing unit , second-stage washing unit , third-stage washing unit , fourth-stage washing unit , fi fth-stage washing unit , and sixth-stage washing unit , which are sequentially arranged in the opposite direction of the washing flow . The feed end of the tailing mixing component is connected to the overflow end of the third-stage washing unit , and the discharge end of the tailing mixing component is connected to the feed end of the second-stage washing unit .

[0011] Furthermore , the tailing mixing component includes a dilution tank . The feed end of the dilution tank is connected to the overflow end of one of the washing units , and the feed end of the dilution tank is also connected to the underflow end of the iron and aluminum removal component . The discharge end of the dilution tank is connected to the feed end of the next-stage washing unit of that washing unit . Furthermore , the dilution tank includes a tank body and an agitator . The agitator is mounted on the tank body, with its stirring end positioned inside the tank body .

[0012] Furthermore , the multi-stage washing component includes multiple washing thickeners arranged sequentially along the washing direction . Each washing thickener has a washing overflow pipe installed at its overflow end and a washing underflow pipe installed at its underflow end . The washing overflow pipe of any given washing thickener is connected to the next-stage washing thickener, and the washing underflow pipe of any given washing thickener is connected to the previous-stage washing thickener . Furthermore , one of the washing underflow pipes includes a feed pipe and a return pipe . The feed pipe connects the overflow end of the washing thickener to the feed end of the tailing mixing component , and the return pipe connects the discharge end of the tailing mixing component to the next-stage washing thickener .

[0013] Furthermore , the iron and aluminum removal component includes an iron and aluminum neutrali zation reactor and an iron and aluminum thickener . The feed end of the iron and aluminum neutrali zation reactor is connected to the overflow end of the washing unit located at the terminal end along the washing direction, and the discharge end of the iron and aluminum neutrali zation reactor is connected to the iron and aluminum thickener . The iron and aluminum thickener is equipped with an underflow pipe that connects to the feed end of the tailing mixing component , as well as an overflow pipe .

[0014] Furthermore , the tailing treatment component includes a tailing neutrali zation reactor and a plate filter press . The feed end of the tailing neutrali zation reactor is connected to the underflow end of the washing unit located at the first stage along the washing direction, and the discharge end of the tailing neutrali zation reactor is connected to the plate filter press . Furthermore , the system also includes an acid leaching component , with the discharge end of the acid leaching component connected to the washing unit located at the terminal end along the washing direction, used to deliver slurry to the multi-stage washing component . Furthermore , the acid leaching component includes a high- pressure autoclave and an acid leaching neutrali zation reactor . The discharge end of the high-pressure autoclave is connected to the feed end of the acid leaching neutrali zation reactor, and the discharge end of the acid leaching neutrali zation reactor is connected to the washing unit located at the terminal end along the washing direction via a slurry feed pipe ;

[0015] The acid leaching neutrali zation reactor includes multiple acid-base neutrali zation tanks connected in sequence . The first acid-base neutrali zation tank is connected to the discharge end of the high-pressure autoclave , and the last acid-base neutrali zation tank is connected to the washing unit located at the terminal end along the washing direction via the slurry feed pipe ;

[0016] It also includes a limestone pipeline , which is connected to multiple acid-base neutrali zation tanks through several valves .

[0017] Compared to the prior art , the tailing mixing component is designed to receive the underflow from the iron and aluminum removal component . After the washing liquid overflows from one of the washing units and enters the tailing mixing component , it dilutes the underflow from the iron and aluminum removal component . The diluted mixture is then returned to the next-stage washing unit for further washing . Ultimately, the entire underflow from the iron and aluminum removal process is delivered to the multistage counter-current washing process , allowing for further recovery of nickel , cobalt , and manganese from the underflow . Meanwhile , the tailing treatment component processes the underflow after tailing mixing and the multi-stage counter-current washing, signi ficantly reducing the tailing treatment costs .

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG . 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0020] FIG . 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multistage washing component in the nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system provided in the embodiments of this application; FIG . 3 is a diagram illustrating the working principle of the tailing mixing component in the nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] FIG . 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tailing treatment component in the nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0022] FIG . 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the acid leaching component in the nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system provided in the embodiments of this application .

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The following is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of this application in conj unction with the accompanying drawings , wherein the drawings form a part of this application and are used together with the embodiments to explain the principles of this application . They are not intended to limit the scope of this application .

[0025] As shown in FIGs 1 and 3 , the nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system provided in this application includes a multistage washing component 100 , an iron and aluminum removal component 200 , a tailing mixing component 300 , and a tailing treatment component 400 . The multi-stage washing component 100 consists of at least three washing units , each having an overflow end and an underflow end . The washing units are sequentially arranged along a washing direction, with the overflow end of any given washing unit connected to the feed end of the next-stage washing unit , and the underflow end connected to the feed end of the previous-stage washing unit . The iron and aluminum removal component 200 has an underflow end, and its feed end is connected to the overflow end of the washing unit located at the terminal end along the washing direction . The feed end of the tailing mixing component 300 is connected to the overflow end of the previous-stage washing unit of the two adj acent washing units and to the underflow end of the iron and aluminum removal component 200 . The discharge end of the tailing mixing component 300 is connected to the feed end of the next-stage washing unit of the two adj acent washing units . The feed end of the tailing treatment component 400 is connected to the underflow end of the washing unit located at the first stage along the washing direction . The feed end of the tailing mixing component 300 is connected to a washing unit in the multi-stage washing component 100 that is at least at the third stage along the washing direction .

[0026] During implementation, the tailing mixing component 300 is designed to receive the underflow from the iron and aluminum removal component 200 . After the washing liquid overflows from one of the washing units and enters the tailing mixing component 300 , it dilutes the underflow from the iron and aluminum removal component 200 . The diluted mixture is then returned to the nextstage washing unit of that washing unit for further washing . Ultimately, the entire underflow from the iron and aluminum removal process is transported to the multi-stage counter-current washing process , enabling further recovery of nickel , cobalt , and manganese from the underflow of the iron and aluminum removal process . At the same time , the tailing treatment component 400 processes the underflow after tailing mixing and after it has been discharged through the multi-stage counter-current washing process , signi ficantly reducing the cost of tailing treatment .

[0027] In this embodiment , the multi-stage washing component 100 is used for multi-stage counter-current washing of slurry . It includes at least three washing units , each with an overflow end and an underflow end . The at least three washing units are sequentially arranged along a washing direction . The overflow end of any given washing unit is connected to the feed end of the nextstage washing unit , and the underf low end is connected to the feed end of the previous-stage washing unit .

[0028] During the washing process , soluble high-value metal ions in the slurry are washed out , dissolved in the solution, and continuously overflow into the next-stage washing unit along the washing direction . At the same time , the solid particles generated after washing are introduced into the previous-stage washing unit via the underflow end . After multiple washes through several washing units , tailings are discharged from the underflow end of the washing unit located at the first stage along the washing direction, while a solution containing soluble high-value metal ions such as nickel , cobalt , and manganese is discharged from the overflow end of the washing unit located at the terminal stage along the washing direction .

[0029] It is understood that the term "previous-stage washing unit" mentioned above refers to the washing unit that is located in the opposite direction to the washing flow, while "next-stage washing unit" refers to the washing unit located in the direction of the washing flow .

[0030] As shown in FIG . 2 , in one embodiment , the multi-stage washing component 100 includes multiple washing thickeners 110 arranged sequentially along the washing direction . Each washing thickener 110 has a washing overflow pipe 120 installed at its overflow end and a washing underflow pipe 130 installed at its underflow end . The washing overflow pipe 120 of any given washing thickener 110 is connected to the next-stage washing thickener 110 , and the washing underflow pipe 130 of any given washing thickener 110 is connected to the previous-stage washing thickener 110 .

[0031] It is understood that by adding a flocculant to the thickener, solid particles in the slurry are encouraged to agglomerate and settle to the bottom, while the clari fied liquid at the top overflows out .

[0032] In this embodiment , the iron and aluminum removal component 200 is used to receive the solution from the slurry discharged through the multi-stage washing component 100 . After the first-stage iron and aluminum removal process , the solution and tailings are obtained, with the solution being directed into the second-stage iron and aluminum removal process and the tailings being directed into the tailing mixing component 300 .

[0033] In one embodiment , the iron and aluminum removal component 200 includes an iron and aluminum neutrali zation reactor 210 and an iron and aluminum thickener 220 . The feed end of the iron and aluminum neutrali zation reactor 210 is connected to the overflow end of the washing unit located at the terminal end along the washing direction . The discharge end of the iron and aluminum neutrali zation reactor 210 is connected to the iron and aluminum thickener 220 . The iron and aluminum thickener 220 is equipped with an iron and aluminum underflow pipe 221 , which connects to the feed end of the tailing mixing component 300 , and an iron and aluminum overflow pipe 222 .

[0034] The underflow from the iron and aluminum removal process is directed into the tailing mixing component 300 via the iron and aluminum underflow pipe 221 , while the overflow liquid from the iron and aluminum removal process is directed into the second- stage iron and aluminum removal process via the iron and aluminum overflow pipe 222 .

[0035] In this embodiment , the tailing mixing component 300 is used to transport the tailings discharged from the underflow end of the iron and aluminum removal component 200 to the multi-stage washing component 100 . Speci fically, the feed end of the tailing mixing component 300 is connected to the overflow end of the previous- stage washing unit of the two adj acent washing units , as well as to the underflow end of the iron and aluminum removal component 200 . The discharge end of the tailing mixing component 300 is connected to the next-stage washing unit of the two adj acent washing units . The feed end of the tailing mixing component 300 is connected to a washing unit in the multi-stage washing component 100 that is at least at the third stage along the washing direction

[0036] In one embodiment , the tailing mixing component 300 includes a dilution tank . The feed end of the dilution tank is connected to the overflow end of one of the washing units , and the feed end of the dilution tank is also connected to the underflow end of the iron and aluminum removal component 200 . The discharge end of the dilution tank is connected to the feed end of the next-stage washing unit of that washing unit . By directing the solution that overflows from one of the washing units , the underflow from the iron and aluminum removal component 200 can be diluted and then returned to the next-stage washing unit of that washing unit .

[0037] It is important to note that in the first-stage iron and aluminum removal process , the underflow contains a large amount of iron and aluminum colloids , making direct treatment challenging . For example , in existing technologies , multiple cycles of filtration and washing are required for ef fective treatment . In this application, by utili zing the dilution tank in combination with the overflow liquid from the counter-current washing units to dilute the underflow, and then performing counter-current washing, the issue of iron and aluminum colloids can be ef fectively addressed .

[0038] To improve the di lution ef fect of the solution on the underflow from the iron and aluminum removal component 200 , in one embodiment , the dilution tank includes a tank body and an agitator . The agitator is mounted on the tank body, with its stirring end positioned inside the tank body .

[0039] In this embodiment , the multi-stage washing component 100 includes a first-stage washing unit , second-stage washing unit , third-stage washing unit , fourth-stage washing unit , fi fth-stage washing unit , and sixth-stage washing unit , which are sequentially arranged in the opposite direction of the washing flow . The feed end of the tailing mixing component 300 is connected to the overflow end of the third-stage washing unit , and the discharge end of the tailing mixing component 300 is connected to the second- stage washing unit .

[0040] It is understood that the multi-stage washing component 100 can be configured with 3 to n stages (where n is greater than 3 ) , and is not limited to the six stages mentioned above . Additionally, the dilution tank can be used with the overflow liquid from any stage between the 3rd and n-th stages to dilute the underflow from the first-stage iron and aluminum removal process .

[0041] Preferably, the dilution tank is paired with the third-stage washing unit . Since the underflow from the first-stage iron and aluminum removal process undergoes a shorter counter-current washing cycle , this setup can ef fectively reduce the cost of the counter-current washing process .

[0042] In one embodiment , one of the washing underflow pipes 130 includes a feed pipe 121 and a return pipe 122 . The feed pipe 121 connects the overflow end of the washing thickener 110 to the feed end of the tailing mixing component 300 , and the return pipe 122 connects the discharge end of the tailing mixing component 300 to the next-stage washing thickener 110 .

[0043] It is understood that the flow of the aforementioned overflow and underflow can be driven by pumping equipment (not shown in the figure ) . After the tailing mixing process , the underflow ( tailings ) from the first-stage iron and aluminum removal process is fully directed into the multi-stage washing component 100 . Following multi-stage counter-current washing in the multi-stage washing component 100 , the underflow ( tailings ) generated from the first-stage iron and aluminum removal process and the underflow ( tailings ) formed within the multi-stage washing component 100 are combined and transported to the tailing treatment component 400 for further processing .

[0044] In this embodiment , the feed end of the tailing treatment component 400 is connected to the underflow end of the washing unit located at the first stage along the washing direction .

[0045] As shown in FIG . 4 , in one embodiment , the tailing treatment component 400 includes a tailing neutrali zation reactor 410 and a plate filter press 420 . The feed end of the tailing neutrali zation reactor 410 is connected to the underflow end of the washing unit located at the first stage along the washing direction, and the discharge end of the tailing neutrali zation reactor 410 is connected to the plate filter press 420 . After the underflow ( tailings ) is neutrali zed in the tailing neutrali zation reactor 410 , it is processed through the plate filter press 420 to form cake-like tailings .

[0046] This embodiment also includes an acid leaching component 500 , with the discharge end of the acid leaching component 500 connected to the washing unit located at the terminal end along the washing direction . It is used to deliver slurry to the multi-stage washing component 100 .

[0047] As shown in FIG . 5 , in one embodiment , the acid leaching component 500 includes a high-pressure autoclave 510 and an acid leaching neutrali zation reactor 520 . The discharge end of the high- pressure autoclave 510 is connected to the feed end of the acid leaching neutrali zation reactor 520 , and the discharge end of the acid leaching neutrali zation reactor 520 is connected to the washing unit located at the terminal end along the washing direction via a slurry feed pipe 140 .

[0048] The acid leaching neutrali zation reactor 520 includes multiple acid-base neutrali zation tanks connected in sequence . The first acid-base neutrali zation tank is connected to the discharge end of the high-pressure autoclave 510 , while the last acid-base neutrali zation tank is connected to the washing unit located at the terminal end along the washing direction via the slurry feed pipe 140 .

[0049] This embodiment also includes a limestone pipeline 530 , which is connected to multiple acid-base neutrali zation tanks via several valves . Limestone is added through this pipeline to help regulate the pH value of the slurry in the acid-base neutrali zation tanks .

[0050] Compared to the prior art , the tailing mixing component 300 is designed to receive the underflow from the iron and aluminum removal component 200 . After the washing liquid overflows from one of the washing units and enters the tailing mixing component 300 , it dilutes the underflow from the iron and aluminum removal component 200 . The diluted mixture is then returned to the nextstage washing unit for further washing . Ultimately, the entire underflow from the iron and aluminum removal process is transported to the multi-stage counter-current washing process , allowing for further recovery of nickel , cobalt , and manganese from the underflow of the iron and aluminum removal process . Additionally, the tailing treatment component 400 processes the underflow after tailing mixing and after being discharged through the multi-stage counter-current washing process , signi ficantly reducing the cost of tailing treatment .

[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited to this . Any modi fications or substitutions easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be covered within the protection scope of this application .

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS1 . A confluence treatment system for nickel laterite tailings , characteri zed by :A multi-stage washing component , which includes at least three washing units , each with an overflow end and an underflow end . The three washing units are sequentially arranged along a washing direction . The overflow end of each washing unit is connected to the feed end of the next washing unit , and the underflow end i s connected to the feed end of the previous washing unit ;An iron and aluminum removal component , which has an underflow end and a feed end connected to the overflow end of the washing unit located at the terminal end along the washing direction .A tailing mixing component , with its feed end connected to the overflow end of the previous-stage washing unit of the two adj acent washing units and the underflow end of the iron and aluminum removal component . The discharge end of the tailing mixing component is connected to the next-stage washing unit of the two adj acent washing units .The tailing treatment component , with its feed end connected to the underflow end of the washing unit located at the first stage along the washing direction .The feed end of the tailing mixing component is connected to the washing unit in the multi-stage washing component that is at least at the third stage along the washing direction .2 . The nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system according to claim 1 , characteri zed in that the multi-stage washing component includes a first-stage washing unit , second-stage washing unit , third-stage washing unit , fourth-stage washing unit , fi fth-stage washing unit , and sixth-stage washing unit , which are sequentially arranged in the direction opposite to the washing direction . The feed end of the tailing mixing component is connected to the overflow end of the third-stage washing unit , and the discharge end of the tailing mixing component is connected to the feed end of the second-stage washing unit .3 . The nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system according to claim 1 , characteri zed in that the tailing mixing component includes a dilution tank . The feed end of the dilution tank is connected to the overflow end of one of the washing units , and the feed end of the dilution tank is also connected to the underflow end of the iron and aluminum removal component . The discharge end of the dilution tank is connected to the feed end of the next-stage washing unit of that washing unit .4 . According to claim 3 , the nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system is characteri zed in that the dilution tank includes a tank body and an agitator . The agitator is mounted on the tank body, with its stirring end positioned inside the tank body .5 . The nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system according to claim 1 , characteri zed in that the multi-stage washing component includes multiple washing thickeners arranged sequentially along the washing direction . Each washing thickener is equipped with a washing overf low pipe at its overflow end and a washing underflow pipe at its underflow end . The washing overflow pipe of any given washing thickener is connected to the next-stage washing thickener, and the washing underflow pipe of any given washing thickener is connected to the previous-stage washing thickener .6 . The nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system according to claim 5 , characteri zed in that one of the washing underflow pipes includes a feed pipe and a return pipe . The feed pipe connects the overflow end of the washing thickener to the feed end of the tailing mixing component , and the return pipe connects the discharge end of the tailing mixing component to the next-stage washing thickener .7 . The nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system according to claim 1 , characteri zed in that the iron and aluminum removal component includes an iron and aluminum neutrali zation reactor and an iron and aluminum thickener . The feed end of theiron and aluminum neutrali zation reactor is connected to the overflow end of the washing unit located at the terminal end along the washing direction, and the discharge end of the iron and aluminum neutrali zation reactor is connected to the iron and aluminum thickener . The iron and aluminum thickener is equipped with an iron and aluminum underflow pipe that connects to the feed end of the tailing mixing component , as well as an iron and aluminum overflow pipe .8 . The nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system according to claim 1 , characteri zed in that the tailing treatment component includes a tailing neutrali zation reactor and a plate filter press . The feed end of the tailing neutrali zation reactor is connected to the underflow end of the washing unit located at the first stage along the washing direction, and the discharge end of the tailing neutrali zation reactor is connected to the plate filter press .9 . The nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system according to claim 1 , characteri zed in that it further includes an acid leaching component . The discharge end of the acid leaching component is connected to the washing unit located at the terminal end along the washing direction, used for delivering slurry to the multi-stage washing component .10 . The nickel laterite tailing confluence treatment system according to claim 9 , characteri zed in that the acid leaching component includes a high-pressure autoclave and an acid leaching neutrali zation reactor . The discharge end of the high-pressure autoclave is connected to the feed end of the acid leaching neutrali zation reactor, and the discharge end of the acid leaching neutrali zation reactor is connected to the washing unit located at the terminal end along the washing direction via a slurry feed pipe .The acid leaching neutrali zation reactor includes multiple acidbase neutrali zation tanks connected in sequence . The first acidbase neutrali zation tank is connected to the discharge end of the high-pressure autoclave , and the last acid-base neutrali zationtank is connected to the washing unit located at the terminal end along the washing direction via the slurry feed pipe ;It also includes a limestone pipeline , which is connected to multiple acid-base neutrali zation tanks through several valves .

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