Compartmentalized Resin Separation Apparatus for Gold Mining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large-scale mining operations, such as gold mining, face inefficiencies and high costs due to the complexity of ion exchange resin processing, particularly in separating gold from gold-bearing solutions using carousel-based systems.

Innovation Solution

A separation apparatus comprising a series of compartments with particulate separation material, where fluid flows through in a primary direction, and screen barriers prevent material movement, combined with pulsation and transfer mechanisms to enhance fluid flow and resin exposure, allowing for efficient resin recycling without rotating the resin column.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a carousel-based system with multiple columns is used for ion exchange resin processing, then the separation of gold from gold-bearing solution can be achieved, but the device complexity and operational cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegold separation efficiencyVSAvoidcarousel system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the ion exchange process into multiple compartments (first compartment for feed introduction, second compartment for resin transfer, third compartment for elution) within a single vertical column, eliminating the need for a carousel while maintaining multi-stage processing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple processing stages (feed reception, resin transfer, elution) that were previously distributed across separate columns on a carousel are merged into a single integrated column system with internal compartmentalization, reducing mechanical complexity while preserving functional capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If a carousel system with multiple columns is used for resin processing, then ion exchange and elution can be performed simultaneously, but the operational cost and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous processing capabilityVSAvoidapparatus construction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The single column is segmented into multiple functional compartments that can operate simultaneously or in sequence, allowing feed processing and elution to occur concurrently within the same physical structure, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing construction costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single column structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the feed treatment column and the elution column at different times, replacing the need for multiple dedicated columns and reducing overall apparatus complexity and manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If resin is transferred between compartments in a carousel system, then resin can be efficiently recycled, but the mechanical complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresin recycling efficiencyVSAvoidresin transfer operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical resin transfer mechanism of the carousel system is replaced with a fluid-based transfer method using a transfer fluid that suspends and transports resin particles between compartments through fluid flow, eliminating complex mechanical transfer mechanisms and reducing operational difficulty

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Hydraulic principles are applied to transfer resin between compartments using fluid flow and pressure differentials, where transfer fluid introduces resin into the column and subsequent flushing operations move resin through the system without mechanical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 approach improves the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of gold separation by optimizing resin exposure and recycling, reducing operational complexity and enhancing the uptake of gold ions without the need for a carousel system.

Implementation Method 1

a pulsation device for pulsating fluid in the compartments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulsation:

Implementation Method 2

Ion exchange resins are used in a large range of applications for preferentially removing selected ions from solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 3

barrier means for preventing flow of particulate separation material between compartments in the primary direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS7909992B2Separation apparatus

Publication Date: 2011.03.22 GEKKO SYST PTY LTD

AI summary

A separation apparatus comprising, a series of compartments for holding particulate separation material, arranged so as to allow fluid to flow through the compartments in a primary direction from a first compartment in the series to a last compartment in the series, feed means for directing a flow of the fluid into the first of the series of compartments in the primary direction, barrier means for preventing flow of particulate separation material between compartments in the primary direction, and a pumping assembly arranged to pump a mixture of the particulate separation material and the fluid from the first compartment into a recovery stage.