Sealed Copper Leaching Reactor for Iodine Loss Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for leaching copper from primary copper sulfide ore are inefficient and result in significant iodine loss due to volatilization, limiting the effectiveness of the leaching process.
Innovation Solution
A reactor system equipped with a controller for maintaining oxidation-reduction potential at 500 mV or higher and a pH controller to maintain a pH range of 1.0 to 2.0, while being tightly sealed to prevent iodine loss, using a leaching solution containing iodine and iron.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If oxidation-reduction potential is increased to enhance leaching reaction, then leaching reaction proceeds faster, but iodine volatilization loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a reducing agent (sulfur dioxide, sodium sulfite, or sodium thiosulfate) into the leaching system before and during the leaching process. These reducing agents proactively counteract the formation of molecular iodine that would otherwise volatilize, by maintaining iodine in its reduced ionic form. This preemptive measure prevents the harmful volatilization while allowing the oxidation-reduction potential to be maintained at levels that promote fast leaching reaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the leaching solution by controlling the oxidation-reduction potential within a specific range (400-700 mV vs. Ag/AgCl) and by adjusting the presence of reducing agents. This parameter control ensures that iodine remains primarily in its ionic form rather than molecular form, thereby preventing volatilization while maintaining effective leaching conditions. The patent specifically maintains a ratio of I(I)/I(III) of 0.1 or more to optimize both leaching efficiency and iodine stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If oxidation-reduction potential is maintained at high level to improve copper extraction, then extraction efficiency increases, but iodine loss due to volatilization during reaction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reducing agents (sulfur dioxide, sodium sulfite, or sodium thiosulfate) as intermediary substances that mediate between the high oxidation-reduction potential conditions needed for efficient copper extraction and the need to prevent iodine volatilization. These intermediaries react with any molecular iodine formed, converting it back to ionic form, thus acting as a buffer that allows high extraction efficiency while preventing iodine loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring the oxidation-reduction potential and adjusting the amount of reducing agent added to maintain the optimal balance. The system monitors the I(I)/I(III) ratio and ensures it remains at 0.1 or more, automatically compensating for any deviations that might lead to iodine volatilization while maintaining high copper extraction 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 system enhances copper leaching efficiency by stabilizing the leaching reaction, allowing for high copper extraction rates and reducing iodine loss, thereby improving the overall process effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a leaching solution containing iodine and iron... maintaining oxidation-reduction potential at 500 mV or higher... copper extraction
Implementation Method 2
reducing loss of iodine due to volatilization of iodine... sealed reactor... preventing iodine volatilization
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for efficiently promoting a leaching reaction of copper. Equipment for leaching copper includes a reactor for leaching reaction and a controller for oxidation-reduction potential. The reactor is configured to be provided with a leaching solution containing iodine and iron. The reactor is configured to be capable of being tightly sealed during the leaching reaction. The controller for oxidation-reduction potential is configured so that, during the leaching reaction, the oxidation-reduction potential of the leaching solution can be maintained at 500 mV (based on Ag/AgCl reference) or higher.