MySx/ZSH Sulfidizing Mixture for Lower H2S Ore Flotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metallic extraction processes face challenges in efficiently recovering both sulfide and oxide ores, leading to losses and environmental hazards due to high acidity and toxic emissions, particularly with the use of sodium hydrogen sulfide as a sulfidizing agent.
Innovation Solution
A sulfidizing agent is formulated by mixing MySx and ZSH in specific weight ratios, where M is chosen from Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, NH4+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, and Z is independently chosen from Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, and NH4+, to improve recovery yields while reducing depressant effects and H2S emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sodium hydrogen sulfide is used as a sulfidizing agent, then sulfide layer formation on oxide surfaces is improved, but H2S emissions and toxic residual effluents increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the sulfidizing agent by using ammonium polysulfide ((NH4)2Sx) instead of sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS). This parameter change maintains the sulfidizing function while reducing H2S emissions and toxic effluents, as ammonium polysulfide decomposes to form less harmful byproducts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a readily available polysulfide solution that can be prepared on-site from common chemicals. This disposable-like approach eliminates the need for storing and handling hazardous NaHS while providing sufficient sulfidizing action for the flotation process.
2Productivity
If high working acidity is used in leaching processes, then metal ore extraction efficiency is improved, but toxic residual effluents are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the traditionally harmful high-acidity leaching process into a more environmentally friendly operation by using sulfidizing agents that reduce the need for extreme acidity. The ammonium polysulfide system allows for effective metal extraction while producing less toxic effluents that can be more easily treated and disposed of.
3Use of energy by moving object
If low temperatures are used in leaching processes, then energy consumption is reduced, but reaction rates decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical reactivity parameters by using ammonium polysulfide, which maintains effective reaction rates at lower temperatures compared to traditional high-acidity leaching. This parameter change allows the system to operate at reduced temperatures while preserving productivity, thereby reducing energy consumption without sacrificing reaction efficiency.
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 new sulfidizing agent enhances recovery efficiency, minimizes reagent consumption, and reduces environmental impact, providing safer and more reliable metal ore extraction without the need for plant modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a sulfidizing agent, such as sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaSH), is added during froth flotation or just before the milled mineral pulp is fed into the flotation cells, in order to produce a sulfide-metal layer on an oxidized ore or mineral surface
Implementation Method 2
Separation by froth flotation is based on the ability of air bubbles to selectively attach to those particles that were previously rendered hydrophobic. The particle-bubble combinations then rise to the froth phase from where the flotation cell is discharged
Implementation Method 3
Particle hydrophobicity is, in turn, induced by special chemicals called collectors. Surfactants achieve this by adsorbing onto mineral surfaces rendering them water repellent, reducing the stability of the hydrated layer separating the mineral from the air bubble
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a sulfidizing agent obtainable by mixing MySx and ZSH in a weight ratio of from about 90:10 to about 10:90, wherein M is chosen from Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, NH4+, Mg2+ and Ca2+, y is about 1 or about 2, x is from about 1.1 to about 5, and Z is independently chosen from Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+ and NH4+, and a process for using the sulfidizing agent in the recovery of one or more metal ores and/or polymetallic minerals from gangue.