Gradient continuous leaching control method and high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching

Abstract

A gradient continuous leaching control method and a high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching. The method comprises the following steps: conveying a material having a temperature of T0 into a compartment; adding a first reactant to the compartment containing the material, stirring same at a temperature of T1 for a duration of t1, then conveying all the contents to the next compartment, and repeating the operations M times; adding a second reactant to the compartment containing the material, stirring same at a temperature of T2 for a duration of t2, then conveying all the contents to the next compartment, and repeating the operations N times; and controlling stirring in the compartment containing the material at a temperature of T3 for a duration of t3, and then conveying all the contents to the external environment. By means of the treatment of materials in multi-stage compartments according to different conditions, the method realizes gradient regulation of reaction conditions, optimizes the leaching kinetic process of materials, and achieves selective leaching of required elements.

Description

Gradient continuous leaching control method and high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of hydrometallurgical technology, and in particular to a gradient continuous leaching control method and a high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of material leaching processing, traditional leaching methods have many shortcomings. Previous leaching processes mostly lacked gradient management of reaction conditions, making it difficult to optimize and control the leaching process in stages.

[0003] On the one hand, traditional methods cannot accurately control key factors such as temperature, time, and reactant dosage, making it difficult to precisely regulate reaction conditions and accurately control the pressure gradient between different compartments. This results in the common occurrence of excessive leaching of impurities, and subsequent hydrolysis products are prone to mixing and sedimentation, increasing the difficulty and cost of subsequent treatment.

[0004] On the other hand, traditional leaching methods are usually carried out in a single reaction environment, with different reaction stages interfering with each other, resulting in low single-stage leaching efficiency. Moreover, frequent abrupt changes in parameters such as temperature and acid concentration cause significant stress on the compartment, increasing the risk of scaling and potentially damaging the equipment, thus affecting its lifespan and processing efficiency.

[0005] In addition, traditional methods often cannot ensure that the reaction at each stage is fully completed, which can easily lead to local over-reaction or under-reaction, resulting in poor process stability and difficulty in effectively improving leaching efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a gradient continuous leaching control method and a high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching. By processing materials in multi-stage compartments according to different conditions, the reaction conditions are managed in a gradient manner, the leaching kinetics of the materials are optimized, the selective leaching of the required elements is achieved, and the leaching efficiency is improved, the risk of equipment damage is reduced, and the process stability is enhanced.

[0007] A gradient continuous leaching control method, comprising the following steps:

[0008] S10: Convey materials at temperature T0 into a compartment;

[0009] S20: Add a first reactant to the compartment containing the material, the mass of the first reactant being X times the mass of the material; introduce steam to raise the temperature to T1; stir for t1 time; and then transfer all the material to the next compartment.

[0010] S30: Determine if the number of times S20 has been executed is equal to M. If yes, proceed to S40; otherwise, return to S20.

[0011] S40: Add a second reactant to the compartment containing the material, the mass of the second reactant being Y times the mass of the material; introduce steam to raise the temperature to T2; stir for t2 time; and then transfer all the material to the next compartment.

[0012] S50: Determine if the number of times S40 has been executed is equal to N. If yes, proceed to S61; otherwise, return to S40.

[0013] S61: The compartment containing the material is stirred for time t3 at a temperature of T3, and then all contents are transported to the external environment and cooled to a temperature less than T4, wherein N≥M≥2.

[0014] As an optional implementation of the gradient continuous leaching control method, the material is lateritic nickel ore, the first reactant is sulfuric acid, the second reactant is sulfuric acid, and Y≤X≤1.

[0015] As an optional implementation of the gradient continuous leaching control method, the following steps are also included before S61:

[0016] S60: A third reactant is added to the compartment containing the material, the mass of the third reactant being Z times the sum of the masses of the first reactant and the second reactant, and Z≤1.

[0017] As an optional embodiment of the gradient continuous leaching control method, the third reactant includes manganese slag; and / or, the third reactant includes a leaching accelerator, which is any one or more of sodium sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, citric acid, oxalic acid, or nitric acid; and / or, the third reactant includes a supplementary material, which is of the same material as the material.

[0018] As an alternative implementation of the gradient continuous leaching control method, T2>T3≥T1≥T0>T4, and t2>t3>t1.

[0019] A high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching, wherein the high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching is applied to the gradient continuous leaching control method described above, the high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching has (M+N+1) sequentially arranged compartments, the most upstream compartment of all the compartments having at least one feed inlet for receiving the material at temperature T0, and the most downstream compartment of all the compartments having at least one discharge outlet for discharging all contents of the compartment.

[0020] As an optional embodiment of the high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching, the high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching further includes a first steam source and a second steam source. In the material conveying direction, at least one first heat conduction port is opened on each of the first M compartments, and all the first heat conduction ports are selectively connected to the output end of the first steam source; at least one second heat conduction port is opened on each of the (M+1)th to (M+N)th compartments, and all the second heat conduction ports are selectively connected to the output end of the second steam source.

[0021] As an optional embodiment of the high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching, the volume of the compartment is linearly related to the length of the corresponding compartment in the longitudinal direction of the high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching; in the longitudinal direction of the high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching, the length of the first compartment is L1, the length of the second to the Mth compartments is L2, the length of the (M+1)th to the (M+N)th compartments is L3, L1 is 105% to 135% of L3, and L2 is 105% to 135% of L3.

[0022] As an optional embodiment of the high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching, in the material conveying direction, the first M compartments are each provided with at least one selectively openable first feed port, through which the first reactant enters the corresponding compartment; the (M+1)th to (M+N)th compartments are each provided with a selectively openable second feed port, through which the second reactant enters the corresponding compartment.

[0023] As an optional embodiment of the high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching, each of the compartments is provided with a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature in the corresponding compartment; and / or, each of the compartments is provided with a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure in the corresponding compartment.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this application are:

[0025] This gradient continuous leaching control method optimizes the reaction conditions in stages of the gradient continuous leaching process by processing the materials in the multi-stage compartments in steps S2, S4, and S61. This gradient management of reaction conditions optimizes the leaching kinetics and achieves selective leaching of desired elements. Furthermore, the staged processing across multiple compartments avoids interference between different reaction stages, improving single-pass leaching efficiency. It also prevents abrupt changes in parameters such as temperature and acid concentration, reducing impact on the compartments and minimizing the risk of scaling. Simultaneously, using steam as a heat medium to heat the materials in the compartments allows for precise temperature control under high pressure, ensuring reliable temperature management. Combined with precise control of time and reactant addition within the compartments, it helps to accurately manage the pressure gradient between different compartments, thereby suppressing excessive leaching of impurities and reducing the mixing and deposition of subsequent hydrolysis products. These improvements enhance temperature control of the materials, reducing the load on downstream equipment and minimizing the risk of damage. The gradient continuous leaching control method ensures that the reaction at each stage is fully completed by setting the number of times M and N are executed, avoiding local over-reaction or under-reaction, thereby improving process stability and leaching efficiency.

[0026] This high-pressure reactor for continuous gradient leaching utilizes a series design of (M+N+1) compartments to achieve continuous gradient processing of materials in a high-pressure environment, enabling continuous production and improving capacity and processing efficiency. Each compartment allows for independent control of temperature, pressure, and feed rate, enabling zoned independent control to meet the process requirements of different reaction stages and avoid interference between reaction conditions at different stages. The multiple compartments, combined with the opening of the inlet and outlet, facilitate a modular design of the overall structure, reducing the manufacturing difficulty and maintenance costs of the high-pressure reactor for continuous gradient leaching. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 is a flowchart of the gradient continuous leaching control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0029] In the diagram: 100, Preheating zone; 110, Material conveying device; 120, Temperature measuring instrument; 200, Cohesive leaching zone; 210, Feed inlet; 220, First feeding port; 230, First steam source; 240, First heat conduction port; 290, Cohesive leaching chamber; 300, Stable leaching zone; 320, Second feeding port; 330, Second steam source; 340, Second heat conduction port; 390, Stable leaching chamber; 400, Adjustable leaching zone; 410, Discharge port; 420, Third feeding port; 490, Adjustable leaching chamber; 910, Temperature sensor; 920, Pressure sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Specifically, the terms "first position" and "second position" refer to two different positions. Moreover, "above," "on top of," and "over" the first feature in relation to the second feature includes the first feature directly above and diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "under," and "below" the first feature in relation to the second feature includes the first feature directly below and diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0032] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, this embodiment provides a gradient continuous leaching control method, which includes the following steps:

[0035] Step 1: Transport the material at temperature T0 into a compartment;

[0036] Step 2: Add the first reactant to the compartment containing the material. The mass of the first reactant is X times the mass of the material. Steam is introduced to bring the temperature to T1. Stir for t1 time, and then transfer all the material to the next compartment.

[0037] Step 3: Determine if the number of times Step 2 has been executed is equal to M. If yes, proceed to Step 4; otherwise, return to Step 2.

[0038] Step 4: Add the second reactant to the compartment containing the material. The mass of the second reactant is Y times the mass of the material. Steam is introduced to bring the temperature to T2. Stir for t2 time, and then transfer all the material to the next compartment.

[0039] Step 5: Determine if the number of times Step 4 has been executed is equal to N. If yes, proceed to Step 6; otherwise, return to Step 4.

[0040] Step 6: Control the mixing of the compartment containing the material at a temperature of T3 for a time of t3, and then transfer all the contents to the external environment to cool to a temperature less than T4, where N≥M≥2.

[0041] This gradient continuous leaching control method optimizes the reaction conditions in stages of the gradient continuous leaching process by treating the materials in the multi-stage compartments in steps two, four, and six. This gradient management of reaction conditions optimizes the leaching kinetics and achieves selective leaching of desired elements. Furthermore, the staged treatment across multiple compartments avoids interference between different reaction stages, improving single-pass leaching efficiency. It also prevents abrupt changes in parameters such as temperature and acid concentration, reducing impact on the compartments and minimizing the risk of scaling. Simultaneously, using steam as a heat medium to heat the materials in the compartments allows for precise temperature control under high pressure, ensuring reliable temperature management. Combined with precise control of time and reactant addition within the compartments, it helps to accurately manage the pressure gradient between compartments, thereby suppressing excessive leaching of impurities and reducing the mixing and deposition of subsequent hydrolysis products. These improvements enhance temperature control of the materials, reducing the load on downstream equipment and minimizing the risk of damage. The gradient continuous leaching control method ensures that the reaction at each stage is fully completed by setting the number of times M and N are executed, avoiding local over-reaction or under-reaction, thereby improving process stability and leaching efficiency.

[0042] The above improvements can be combined with increased stirring intensity to improve reaction efficiency. Based on the principle of forced reaction, the leaching reaction can be concentrated in the compartment corresponding to step two in advance. By increasing the amount of materials and reactants added and the heating effect in the compartment, the pressure gradient in the compartment corresponding to step two can be strengthened, and the pressure gradient can be maintained in the compartment corresponding to step four. This improves the leaching rate and reaction efficiency, increases the overall production capacity, and reduces the content of required elements in the material residue.

[0043] In this embodiment, M=2 and N=4.

[0044] In this embodiment, the material is laterite nickel ore, the first reactant is sulfuric acid, the second reactant is sulfuric acid, and Y≤X≤1.

[0045] Using sulfuric acid as the leaching medium, combined with gradient temperature control, allows for preferential reaction with nickel and cobalt under high temperature and pressure, inhibiting the leaching of Fe and Al and achieving enhanced reaction selectivity. The constraint of Y≤X≤1 ensures a high acid concentration in the chamber corresponding to step two, guaranteeing sufficient leaching of nickel and cobalt; and a low acid concentration in the chamber corresponding to step four, suppressing impurity hydrolysis. This decreasing acid concentration gradient enables efficient utilization of the acid solution. Simultaneously, the staged control of sulfuric acid addition reduces acid waste and lowers total acid consumption, helping to avoid impurity leaching and increased subsequent neutralization costs due to excessive acid.

[0046] In this embodiment, before step six, the following step is also included: adding a third reactant to the compartment containing the material, wherein the mass of the third reactant is Z times the sum of the masses of the first reactant and the second reactant, and Z≤1.

[0047] Adding a third reactant to the compartment helps to further leach residual valuable metals and improve the overall recovery rate. At the same time, it can make full use of the free acid released by Fe and Al hydrolysis for secondary leaching, realize the recycling of acid solution, reduce acid waste, reduce the acid load of downstream neutralization process, and reduce production costs.

[0048] In one embodiment of this example, the third reactant includes manganese slag; the third reactant includes a leaching accelerator, which is any one or more of sodium sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, citric acid, oxalic acid, or nitric acid; and the third reactant includes a supplementary material, which is of the same material as the reactant.

[0049] Using manganese slag (such as lean filter residue from alkaline solution precipitation of nickel, cobalt, and manganese) as the third reactant enables the recycling of waste residue, reducing raw material costs and environmental impact. Supplementing with manganese-containing ore (such as low-alumina laterite nickel ore) allows for the enrichment of valuable metals, significantly increasing the leaching rate of manganese, raising the manganese content in the leachate, and achieving comprehensive resource utilization. Leaching promoters can accelerate the leaching of elements such as nickel and cobalt, thereby enhancing reaction kinetics and reducing material loss. When the supplementary material is from the same source as the main material (such as magnesian laterite nickel ore or low-alumina laterite nickel ore), the composition of the leachate can be adjusted, optimizing the mineral composition of the leaching system, avoiding the introduction of new impurities, and thus improving leaching efficiency. Furthermore, supplementing with low-alumina laterite nickel ore can adjust the slurry viscosity, reducing the probability of compartment clogging.

[0050] In other embodiments of this example, the third reactant includes at most two of manganese slag, leaching accelerator, and supplementary material. The specific material composition of the third reactant is common knowledge in the art and is determined by those skilled in the art based on actual engineering conditions. The specific determination method is a conventional technical means in the art, and its specific content is not the focus of this application, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0051] In this embodiment, T2>T3≥T1≥T0>T4, and t2>t3>t1.

[0052] The lower temperature (T1) promotes preferential hydrolysis of Fe into slag; the higher temperature (T2) accelerates nickel-cobalt leaching and shortens the total reaction time. The decreasing temperature (T3) inhibits further hydrolysis of Al, reducing the risk of scaling. The longest time (T2) ensures complete leaching of nickel-cobalt, allowing the main reaction to be fully completed. The next longest time (T3) balances reaction efficiency with equipment load, while the shortest time (T1) avoids localized over-reaction during the T1 and T3 time periods. This achieves gradient temperature control and time-matching optimization.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, this embodiment also provides a high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching. The high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching has (M+N+1) sequentially arranged compartments. The compartments are used in the gradient continuous leaching control method described above. The upstream compartment has at least one feed inlet 210 for receiving material at temperature T0. The downstream compartment has at least one discharge outlet 410 for discharging all contents of the compartment.

[0054] For ease of description, the gradient continuous leaching process is divided into four zones: preheating zone 100, fusion leaching zone 200, stabilization leaching zone 300, and adjustment leaching zone 400. Material at temperature T0 is temporarily stored in preheating zone 100. During step one, the material moves from preheating zone 100 into fusion leaching zone 200, and the corresponding compartment in step two is defined as fusion leaching chamber 290. During step four, the material moves from fusion leaching zone 200 into stabilization leaching zone 300, and the corresponding compartment in step four is defined as stabilization leaching chamber 390. During step six, the material moves from stabilization leaching zone 300 into adjustment leaching zone 400, and the corresponding compartment in step six is ​​defined as adjustment leaching chamber 490.

[0055] Specifically, the preheating zone 100 includes a material conveying device 110 and a temperature measuring instrument 120. The material conveying device 110 is used to convey materials to the fusion leaching zone 200, and the temperature measuring instrument 120 is used to measure the temperature of the materials on the material conveying device 110.

[0056] This high-pressure reactor for continuous gradient leaching utilizes a series design of (M+N+1) compartments to achieve continuous gradient processing of materials in a high-pressure environment, thus enabling continuous production and improving capacity and processing efficiency. Each compartment allows for independent control of temperature, pressure, and feed rate, enabling independent control of different zones to meet the process requirements of different reaction stages and avoid interference between reaction conditions at different stages. The multiple compartments, combined with the inlet 210 and outlet 410, facilitate a modular design of the overall structure, reducing the manufacturing difficulty and maintenance costs of the high-pressure reactor for continuous gradient leaching.

[0057] In this embodiment, the high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching also includes a first steam source 230 and a second steam source 330. In the material conveying direction, at least one first heat conduction port 240 is provided on each of the first M compartments, and all the first heat conduction ports 240 are selectively connected to the output end of the first steam source 230; at least one second heat conduction port 340 is provided on each of the (M+1)th to (M+N)th compartments, and all the second heat conduction ports 340 are selectively connected to the output end of the second steam source 330.

[0058] The fusion leaching chamber 290 maintains a medium-low temperature environment through the first steam source 230, which can meet the temperature requirements of the fusion leaching zone 200 for the material. The stability leaching chamber 390 achieves high-temperature control through the second steam source 330, which helps to meet the conditions for high-temperature reaction in the stability leaching zone 300. The independent temperature control of each compartment can achieve precise temperature regulation, ensure the stability of the temperature gradient in each zone, help to reduce temperature fluctuations, and improve temperature control capability. In the adjustment leaching zone 400, external heating is stopped, and the temperature of the adjustment leaching chamber 490 is maintained by the temperature of the material itself. The combination of steam heating and material heat exchange can reduce energy waste. The above-mentioned staged heating can avoid energy waste caused by overall high temperature and achieve energy consumption optimization.

[0059] The volume of each compartment is linearly related to its length along the length of the high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching. Along the length of the reactor, the length of the first compartment is L1, the lengths of the second to the Mth compartments are L2, and the lengths of the (M+1)th to (M+N)th compartments are L3. L1 is 105% to 135% of L3, and L2 is 105% to 135% of L3. Specifically, L1 is 115% of L3, and L2 is 110% of L3.

[0060] By designing the length of the compartments in the high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching, the material residence time requirements of different reaction stages can be matched. In the cohesive leaching zone 200, the longer L1 and L2 help extend the reaction time in the high acid concentration stage, ensuring sufficient leaching of nickel and cobalt; and the corresponding compartments have strong heat storage capacity, avoiding localized temperature fluctuations caused by rapid acid addition. In the stable leaching zone 300, the shorter L3 can adapt to rapid reactions under low acid and high temperature conditions, suppressing excessive Al hydrolysis; the corresponding compact layout within the compartments accelerates heat transfer, helping to reduce steam consumption.

[0061] Meanwhile, the length gradient and volume matching of each compartment can optimize the hydrodynamic characteristics of material conveying, so that the compartments in the fusion leaching zone 200 can slow down the turbulence in the initial reaction stage and reduce particle deposition, while the compartments in the stability leaching zone 300 can shorten the material transfer path and prevent acid mist from escaping at high temperatures.

[0062] The above-mentioned length gradient design is achieved through a modular structure of the compartments: the high-strength support of the front compartments can withstand high-pressure stirring, while the lightweight design of the rear compartments reduces manufacturing costs. Through the gradient design of compartment length and volume, the adaptation of reaction stages, uniform heat distribution, flow stability, and synergistic optimization of equipment efficiency are achieved. This design enables the high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching to improve leaching efficiency, facilitate energy consumption control, and inhibit scaling.

[0063] In this embodiment, in the material conveying direction, the first M compartments are each provided with at least one selectively openable first feed port 220, through which the first reactant enters the corresponding compartment; the (M+1)th to (M+N)th compartments are each provided with a selectively openable second feed port 320, through which the second reactant enters the corresponding compartment.

[0064] Independent control of the first feed port 220 and the second feed port 320 helps improve the precision of acid addition. In the cohesive leaching zone 200, high-concentration acid is added in batches through the first feed port 220, ensuring thorough mixing of the material and acid. In the stable leaching zone 300, an appropriate amount of acid is added through the second feed port 320 to maintain the acidity balance of the reaction system. This staged acid addition operation avoids sudden pH changes caused by a single acid addition, preventing local over-acidification and achieving precise feed control, thus helping to reduce the competitive leaching of Fe and Al. Simultaneously, the selectively opening and closing design of the first feed port 220 and the second feed port 320 prevents acid mist escape, improving the safety of the operating environment, and also adapts to the adjustment needs of different ores and process parameters.

[0065] Specifically, in the material conveying direction, each of the (M+N+1)th compartments is provided with a selectively opening and closing third feed port 420, through which the third reactant enters the corresponding compartment. The arrangement and beneficial effects of the third feed port 420 are similar to those of the first feed port 220 and the second feed port 320 mentioned above, and will not be elaborated further here due to space limitations.

[0066] In one embodiment of this example, each compartment is provided with a temperature sensor 910 for monitoring the temperature in the corresponding compartment; each compartment is provided with a pressure sensor 920 for monitoring the pressure in the corresponding compartment.

[0067] The temperature sensor 910 ensures that the temperature in each compartment strictly conforms to the gradient requirements of T0, T1, T2, and T3; the pressure sensor 920 monitors the pressure in each compartment to prevent overpressure or leakage risks. The temperature and pressure sensors 910 and 920 provide real-time data feedback, facilitating PID automatic control. Real-time feedback of the reaction status in each compartment from the temperature and pressure sensors 910 and 920 facilitates dynamic adjustment of process parameters. These data logging functions support process optimization and fault diagnosis, improving process controllability and stability.

[0068] In other embodiments of this example, each compartment is equipped with only one of the temperature sensor 910 and the pressure sensor 920. The specific structure and working principle of the temperature sensor 910 and the pressure sensor 920 are common knowledge in the art and are well understood by those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0069] Obviously, the above embodiments of this application are merely examples for clear illustration and are not intended to limit the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A gradient continuous leaching control method, comprising the following steps: S10: Convey materials at temperature T0 into a compartment; S20: Add a first reactant to the compartment containing the material, the mass of the first reactant being X times the mass of the material; introduce steam to raise the temperature to T1; stir for t1 time; and then transfer all the material to the next compartment. S30: Determine if the number of times S20 has been executed is equal to M. If yes, proceed to S40; otherwise, return to S20. S40: Add a second reactant to the compartment containing the material, the mass of the second reactant being Y times the mass of the material; introduce steam to raise the temperature to T2; stir for t2 time; and then transfer all the material to the next compartment. S50: Determine if the number of times S40 has been executed is equal to N. If yes, proceed to S61; otherwise, return to S40. S61: The compartment containing the material is stirred for time t3 at a temperature of T3, and then all contents are transported to the external environment and cooled to a temperature less than T4, wherein N≥M≥2.

2. The gradient continuous leaching control method according to claim 1, wherein, The material is laterite nickel ore, the first reactant is sulfuric acid, the second reactant is sulfuric acid, and Y≤X≤1.

3. The gradient continuous leaching control method according to claim 2, wherein, The steps preceding S61 also include: S60: A third reactant is added to the compartment containing the material, the mass of the third reactant being Z times the sum of the masses of the first reactant and the second reactant, and Z≤1.

4. The gradient continuous leaching control method according to claim 3, wherein, The third reactant includes manganese slag; and / or, the third reactant includes a leaching accelerator, wherein the leaching accelerator is any one or more of sodium sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, citric acid, oxalic acid, or nitric acid; and / or, the third reactant includes a supplementary material, wherein the supplementary material is of the same material as the material.

5. The gradient continuous leaching control method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, T2>T3≥T1≥T0>T4, and t2>t3>t1.

6. A high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching, applied to the gradient continuous leaching control method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching has (M+N+1) sequentially arranged compartments, wherein the most upstream compartment of all the compartments has at least one feed inlet (210) for receiving the material at a temperature of T0, and the most downstream compartment of all the compartments has at least one discharge outlet (410) for discharging all contents of the compartment.

7. The high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching according to claim 6, wherein, The high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching also includes a first steam source (230) and a second steam source (330). In the material conveying direction, at least one first heat conduction port (240) is provided on each of the first M compartments, and all the first heat conduction ports (240) are selectively connected to the output end of the first steam source (230). At least one second heat conduction port (340) is provided on each of the (M+1)th to (M+N)th compartments, and all the second heat conduction ports (340) are selectively connected to the output end of the second steam source (330).

8. The high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching according to claim 6, wherein, The volume of the compartment is linearly related to the length of the corresponding compartment in the longitudinal direction of the high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching; in the longitudinal direction of the high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching, the length of the first compartment is L1, the length of the second to the Mth compartments is L2, the length of the (M+1)th to the (M+N)th compartments is L3, L1 is 105% to 135% of L3, and L2 is 105% to 135% of L3.

9. The high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching according to claim 6, wherein, In the material conveying direction, the first M compartments are each provided with at least one selectively openable first feed port (220), through which the first reactant enters the corresponding compartment; the (M+1)th to (M+N)th compartments are each provided with a selectively openable second feed port (320), through which the second reactant enters the corresponding compartment.

10. The high-pressure reactor for gradient continuous leaching according to any one of claims 6-9, wherein, Each of the compartments is provided with a temperature sensor (910) for monitoring the temperature in the corresponding compartment; and / or, each of the compartments is provided with a pressure sensor (920) for monitoring the pressure in the corresponding compartment.

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