Ferric Nitrate Reagent from Copper Raffinate for Leaching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of nitrate salts in copper ore deposits leads to premature degradation of polysaccharides in electrowinning processes and impurity carryover, causing issues in solvent extraction and electrowinning stages, while their beneficial effects are hindered by uncontrolled nitrate ion levels.
Innovation Solution
A process to produce a stable and soluble ferric nitrate reagent from copper raffinate solutions, which is used in ore curing and heap leaching stages, generating iron (III) and nitrate ions to maintain strong oxidizing conditions, inhibiting precipitation and enhancing copper leaching kinetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If nitrate salts are present in copper ore deposits to reduce sulfuric acid consumption, then sulfuric acid savings are achieved, but nitrate ion levels cause premature degradation of polysaccharides and impurity carryover in electrowinning stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes nitrate ions from the leaching solution through ion exchange resins or selective precipitation processes, separating the beneficial sulfuric acid reduction effect from the harmful nitrate ion effects that cause polysaccharide degradation and impurity carryover in electrowinning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls and adjusts nitrate ion concentration levels within optimal ranges (e.g., maintaining nitrate ions below 50 ppm in electrowinning feed) while preserving the sulfuric acid savings benefit, thereby resolving the contradiction between acid reduction and process stability
2Productivity
If ferric nitrate reagent is used to maintain strong oxidizing conditions and enhance copper leaching kinetics, then leaching efficiency is improved, but control of nitrate ion levels becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ion exchange resins that automatically regulate nitrate ion levels in the leaching solution, allowing the system to self-control nitrate concentration without complex external monitoring and adjustment mechanisms, thus maintaining high leaching efficiency while simplifying control complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control systems that monitor nitrate ion levels in real-time and automatically adjust ferric nitrate dosing or ion exchange processes to maintain optimal nitrate concentrations, balancing leaching efficiency improvement with controlled nitrate level management
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
The ferric nitrate reagent improves copper recovery and leaching efficiency by maintaining high redox potential and preventing precipitation of iron compounds, thus overcoming the limitations of nitrate ion control in existing processes.
Implementation Method 1
effectuating an electrochemical reaction with the first mixture, wherein iron (II) is oxidized to iron (III) to produce a ferric nitrate reagent
Implementation Method 2
two ions integral to copper sulfide leaching are generated: iron (III) (Fe3+) and nitrate (NO3−). Iron (III) is of vital importance for electrochemical leaching of copper sulfides, generating iron (II) (Fe2+) product to pass to the aqueous solution. Additionally, the nitrate ions are used to regenerate iron (III).
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a process for preparing a ferric nitrate (Fe(NO3)3) reagent, capable of serving as a solvent and copper species oxidizing agent in the ore curing, heap leaching, and/or run of mine (ROM) leaching of a copper ore hydrometallurgical process located at a brown field or green field, from an aqueous copper raffinate solution from the copper ore hydrometallurgical process of copper ore containing iron (II) (Fe2+), and the reagent prepared pursuant to this process.