Heap Leach Sampling Device with Pressurized Reservoir
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sampling devices for ROM heap leaching are not sturdy enough to handle the larger ROM material, making it difficult to effectively sample and analyze first cycle recovery data within the heap, leading to lost valuable leaching time due to the disintegration of ores varying in acid resistance.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a collector, grating, storage reservoir, check valve, air pressure line, and solution sampling line, designed to be sturdy enough to support ROM material, allowing for sampling and pressurization of metal-bearing solutions within the heap leaching system, enabling efficient collection and analysis of metal-bearing solutions before they reach the bottom of the heap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If current sampling devices are used in ROM heap leaching, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot support larger ROM material and is not sturdy enough
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device is divided into multiple components: a collector component for receiving leach solution, a reservoir component for storing the solution, a grating component for supporting ROM material, and a sampling component for extracting samples. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall device sturdiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The collector and reservoir are positioned within the heap before leaching begins, allowing them to be pre-filled with leach solution as it percolates through the ore. This preliminary collection action enables subsequent sampling without requiring additional collection equipment.
2Loss of time
If sampling is delayed until solution reaches the bottom of the heap, then the sampling process is simple, but valuable leaching time is lost due to ore disintegration
Solution Approach 1:
The collector and reservoir are positioned within the heap to collect leach solution at an intermediate stage during percolation, rather than waiting for it to reach the bottom. This preliminary sampling action enables analysis before significant ore disintegration occurs, reducing time loss while maintaining sampling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The grating component acts as an intermediary structure that supports the collector and reservoir within the heap while allowing leach solution to pass through to be collected. This intermediary positioning enables timely sampling without requiring complex retrieval mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the collector and reservoir are permanently fixed, then the structure is stable, but the device cannot be adapted to different heap configurations or locations
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into separate collector and reservoir components that can be independently positioned and removed. This segmentation allows the components to be relocated to different heap positions or configurations while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The collector and reservoir are designed with movable positioning capabilities, allowing them to be placed at optimal locations within the heap based on specific leaching conditions. This dynamic positioning maintains adaptability while the components remain stable during the sampling process.
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
Enables improved operational efficiency and increased metal recovery by allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment of leaching parameters, preventing valuable time loss and optimizing metal extraction by sampling within the heap before downstream processing.
Implementation Method 1
an air pressure line configured to pass through the collector and rest in the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a check valve disposed between the storage reservoir and the collector
Implementation Method 3
a grating removably coupled to the collector
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for recovering a metal-bearing solution from a leaching system is provided. The method includes collecting, using the collector of a solution sampling device, a metal-bearing solution from a leaching system, storing, using the storage reservoir of the solution sampling device, the metal-bearing solution, pressurizing, using an air pressure line of the solution sampling device, the storage reservoir, and discharging, using a solution sampling line of the solution sampling device, the metal-bearing solution from the storage reservoir.