Rotating Net Pouch Separation in Laterite Nickel Leaching Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process for removing iron-aluminum-chromium reaction products in laterite nickel ore requires multiple thickeners, leading to large equipment volume and inconvenience in use.
Innovation Solution
A treatment system comprising a reaction tank with a lifting assembly, flushing assembly, and receiving box, utilizing a rotating net pouch and flushing mechanism to separate slag phase within the reaction tank, eliminating the need for thickeners by rotating the net pouch to direct slag phase into a receiving box while rinsing off adhering liquid phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple thickeners are used to separate slag phase, then separation effectiveness is improved, but equipment volume increases and operation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple thickening functions into a single integrated device by placing the net pouch, lifting assembly, and flushing assembly within one reaction tank. The net pouch performs both filtration and thickening functions that would traditionally require separate equipment, thereby achieving effective slag phase separation while reducing equipment volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The net pouch is nested within the reaction tank, and the lifting assembly with connecting rods is nested within the net pouch structure. The flushing assembly is positioned inside the reaction tank to access the net pouch. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to occupy the same spatial envelope, reducing overall equipment footprint while maintaining separation effectiveness.
2Reliability
If multiple thickeners are used to separate slag phase, then separation effectiveness is improved, but operation convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the lifting mechanism and flushing mechanism into the same reaction tank system, the patent enables centralized control and simplified operation. The operator controls one integrated system rather than coordinating multiple separate thickeners, improving operational convenience while maintaining effective separation through the net pouch filtration system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting assembly automatically raises and lowers the net pouch based on slag accumulation, and the flushing assembly automatically cleans the net pouch surface when liquid level rises. This automated self-service operation eliminates manual intervention requirements and simplifies operation while ensuring continuous effective separation.
3Loss of substance
If net pouch rotates to first position with opening inclined upwards, then liquid phase retention is improved, but slag phase discharge becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The net pouch is designed to rotate dynamically between two positions: first position with opening inclined upwards for liquid retention, and second position with opening inclined downwards for slag discharge. This dynamic repositioning allows the system to optimize for either liquid retention or slag discharge depending on the operational phase, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic rotation of the net pouch between the first and second positions. During the first phase, the pouch remains in the upward-inclined position to retain liquid; during the second phase, it rotates to the downward-inclined position to discharge slag. This periodic action between two extreme positions enables both liquid retention and efficient slag discharge to be achieved sequentially.
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
Facilitates efficient solid-liquid separation within the reaction tank, reducing equipment footprint and preventing the loss of valuable nickel, cobalt, and manganese by recycling the liquid phase, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
the net pouch can rotate to a first position and a second position above the liquid level inside the reaction tank; when the net pouch rotates to the second position, the opening of the net pouch is inclined downwards... to receive the slag phase dumped from the net pouch
Implementation Method 2
the flushing assembly is connected to the reaction tank, with its flushing end directed at the opening of the net pouch in the first position, to wash off the liquid phase adhered to the net pouch and the slag phase
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a treatment system for removing iron-aluminum-chromium reaction products in leaching solution of laterite nickel ore, comprising a reaction tank, a lifting assembly, a flushing assembly, and a receiving box. The lifting assembly comprises a rotating shaft, a net pouch, and a connecting rod. The rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the reaction tank and is connected to the net pouch via the connecting rod; the rotation path of the net pouch covers and adheres to the inner bottom wall of the reaction tank, and it can be rotated to a first position and a second position; the receiving box can slide to a position directly below the net pouch at the second position. This solution addresses the current issues of requiring multiple thickeners for solid-liquid separation, which results in large equipment size and inconvenience in use.