Thiocarbonyl Leaching Chemistry for Faster Copper Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrometallurgical processes for extracting copper from chalcopyrite ores have low extraction rates, and there is a need for methods that achieve high copper extraction in shorter timescales.
Innovation Solution
A hydrometallurgical process using a reagent with a thiocarbonyl functional group and a wetting agent, such as thiourea and non-ionic surfactants, to enhance copper extraction from copper sulfide ores under acidic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional hydrometallurgical processes are used to extract base metals from low-grade ores, then the extraction process can be simplified, but the extraction efficiency is insufficient and valuable metals are lost in the slag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific chemical intermediary system consisting of a wetting agent and a thiocarbonyl functional group reagent. This intermediary complex facilitates selective interaction between the leaching solution and metal sulfide particles in the ore, enabling efficient extraction while preventing metal loss in the slag. The intermediary compounds mediate the transfer of metals from the solid ore phase to the liquid solution phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the leaching system by introducing specific compounds with defined chemical structures (wetting agents with hydrophilic groups and thiocarbonyl reagents). These parameter changes in the chemical composition enable the system to effectively handle low-grade ores with high iron content while maintaining high extraction efficiency and minimizing metal loss.
2Productivity
If high iron content ores are processed, then the ore utilization increases, but the slag formation increases causing metal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The wetting agent and thiocarbonyl reagent form an intermediary complex that selectively interacts with metal sulfides, enabling the system to process high iron content ores effectively. This intermediary mechanism allows efficient metal extraction even when the ore has high iron content, preventing the formation of metal-loss-prone slag while maintaining high ore utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/physical processing methods with a chemical solution-based approach. By using chemical intermediaries to facilitate selective dissolution, the system can handle high iron content ores without relying on mechanical separation methods that would generate slag and cause metal loss.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional leaching solutions are used, then the process is simple, but the extraction of metals from low-grade ores is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces chemical intermediaries (wetting agents and thiocarbonyl reagents) that enhance the extraction efficiency of conventional leaching processes. These intermediaries facilitate better contact between the leaching solution and metal sulfide particles, improving extraction efficiency while maintaining the overall simplicity of the hydrometallurgical process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the leaching solution by adding specific compounds with defined structures. These parameter changes enable the simple hydrometallurgical process to achieve high extraction efficiency from low-grade ores, transforming a potentially inefficient process into an effective one without complicating the overall process architecture.
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 synergistic effect of the thiocarbonyl functional group and wetting agent significantly improves copper extraction rates compared to using either component alone, achieving efficient copper recovery.
Implementation Method 1
Extracting base metals using a wetting agent and a thiocarbonyl functional group reagent
Implementation Method 2
The leaching solution comprises a wetting agent and a thiocarbonyl functional group reagent
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the use of a wetting agent such as a non-ionic wetting agent and a reagent comprising a thiocarbonyl functional group, for example, in a method/process or use for extracting a base metal such as copper from a material comprising the base metal. Such methods/processes can comprise contacting the material under acidic conditions with the wetting agent and the reagent comprising the thiocarbonyl functional group; and optionally recovering the base metal.