Subsurface Leaching Flow Control for Targeted Heap Metal Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional subsurface leaching systems face inefficiencies due to inconsistent flow conditions, occlusion of leaching solution distribution systems, and inability to target specific areas within leach heaps, leading to suboptimal metal recovery and increased energy and solution wastage.
Innovation Solution
A subsurface leaching distribution system with pressure and flow rate control, combined with residual metal mapping, to deliver targeted leaching solutions at precise locations and depths within leach heaps, optimizing recovery by identifying ore targets and adjusting operational conditions dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional subsurface leaching systems deliver leaching solution without pressure and flow rate control, then the system structure is simpler, but metal recovery efficiency decreases and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by implementing pressure and flow rate control mechanisms that dynamically adjust operational parameters of the leaching solution delivery system. This ensures optimal delivery conditions are maintained, improving metal recovery efficiency while the control system adapts to varying operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through monitoring systems that track pressure and flow rate parameters of the leaching solution. This feedback enables real-time adjustments to maintain optimal delivery conditions, ensuring consistent metal recovery efficiency while preventing energy waste from suboptimal operation.
2Loss of energy
If conventional leaching solution distribution systems operate without targeted delivery, then the distribution system is simpler, but solution and energy are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing targeted delivery mechanisms that direct leaching solution specifically to areas within the leach heap that require treatment. This localized approach prevents solution and energy waste in already-treated areas while the distribution system adapts to spatial variations in leaching needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action through mapping systems that identify target areas within the leach heap before solution delivery begins. This advance planning enables the distribution system to pre-position solution delivery to optimal locations, preventing waste while the system structure remains manageable.
3Productivity
If leaching solution is delivered without real-time regulation, then the regulation system is simpler, but metal recovery is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing real-time regulation systems that continuously adjust pressure and flow rate parameters during leaching solution delivery. This dynamic control ensures optimal conditions are maintained throughout the leaching process, maximizing metal recovery while the regulation system adapts to changing operational conditions.
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
Enhances metal recovery efficiency by ensuring precise delivery of leaching solutions, minimizing waste, and optimizing energy use through real-time regulation and mapping, thereby improving economic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
leaching metal bearing materials with an acidic solution, for example, either atmospherically or under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure
Implementation Method 2
Leaching solution is distributed on top of the heap and, by force of gravity, travels down towards the pad
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method comprising determining an ore map for a heap to identify a location of a recoverable metal value in the heap, delivering a leaching solution from a leaching solution source to a leaching solution regulating system, regulating at least one of a pressure, a mass flow rate, or a volumetric flow rate of the leaching solution to achieve a first target operational condition, wherein the first target operational condition is selected to optimize a set of operational parameters to maximize recovery of the recoverable metal value, delivering the leaching solution at the first target operational condition from the leaching solution regulating system to a subsurface leaching distribution system, and delivering the leaching solution at the first target operational condition from the subsurface leaching distribution system to the location of the recoverable metal value under a surface of the heap to leach and recover at least one metal value.