Autoclave Liquid Flow Ports for High-Pressure Acid Leaching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-pressure acid leaching processes for nickel oxide ore, maintaining an efficient leaching rate while reducing the free sulfuric acid concentration is challenging due to imbalanced slurry transfer through liquid flow ports, leading to excessive sulfuric acid usage and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The installation of liquid flow ports on the partition walls of the autoclave, positioned between the lowermost portion and the center of gravity, allows for balanced slurry transfer and overflow management, reducing the need for excessive sulfuric acid by optimizing flow rates and overflow ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquid flow ports are provided on partition walls for slurry transfer, then slurry transfer efficiency is improved, but free sulfuric acid concentration increases due to imbalanced flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing liquid flow ports at specific locations on the partition walls rather than uniformly distributing them. The flow ports are positioned at heights of 0.1-0.3 times the autoclave diameter from the lowermost portion and at horizontal distances of 0.05-0.25 times the autoclave diameter from the partition wall center lines, creating localized flow optimization zones that balance slurry transfer while controlling sulfuric acid distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the liquid flow ports adjustable rather than fixed. The flow ports can be opened or closed freely, allowing operators to dynamically adjust the slurry transfer rate and overflow ratio to maintain optimal free sulfuric acid concentration while ensuring efficient slurry transfer between compartments
2Productivity
If liquid flow ports are positioned to optimize slurry transfer, then leaching rate is improved, but sulfuric acid usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the positional parameters of the liquid flow ports. By setting specific height ratios (0.1-0.3 times autoclave diameter) and horizontal distance ratios (0.05-0.25 times autoclave diameter), the system achieves optimal slurry flow distribution that maintains high leaching rates while minimizing excessive sulfuric acid consumption through balanced transfer between compartments
3Ease of operation
If liquid flow ports are made accessible for operation, then ease of operation is improved, but partition wall strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the nested doll principle by integrating the liquid flow ports within the partition wall structure itself. The flow ports are embedded in the partition walls at optimized positions, allowing them to be accessible for operation while the partition wall maintains its structural integrity through the integrated design rather than being weakened by separate attachments
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration maintains a high leaching rate while reducing the free sulfuric acid concentration, enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing sulfuric acid usage, thereby reducing costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
transfers slurry from an upstream side compartment to a downstream side compartment
Implementation Method 2
transfers slurry from an upstream side compartment to a downstream side compartment through overflow
Implementation Method 3
stirrers provided in respective compartments partitioned into a plurality by partition walls in an autoclave, and transfers slurry
Implementation Method 4
heated and pressurized material slurry and sulfuric acid are supplied
Implementation Method 5
raised in temperature and pressure in a stepwise manner in a preheater
Implementation Method 6
valuable metals are acid-leached with high-pressure and high-temperature
Implementation Method 7
by controlling oxidation-reduction potential and a temperature of leachate
Data Source
AI summary
In an autoclave apparatus for a high-pressure acid leaching process which advances leaching by stirring heated and pressurized material slurry and sulfuric acid by stirrers in compartments in an autoclave main body of a plurality of compartments, transfers slurry from an upstream side compartment to a downstream one to advance leaching, liquid flow ports for slurry transfer that open and close by doors are provided on the partition walls, the liquid flow ports for slurry transfer are installed at positions where the heights from the lowermost portion the autoclave to the center of gravity are 0.1 to 0.3 times an autoclave diameter and distances from the center lines of the partition walls to the center of gravity are 0.05 to 0.25 times the autoclave diameter, and the liquid flow ports for slurry transfer have shapes which do not reach end portions of the partition walls.