dMi/dt = Σ ṁi,entrée − Σ ṁi,sortie + productionᵢ − consommationᵢMᵢ: stored quantity of l species or l tracked element.
Use when: For a preserved element, net chemical production and consumption are zero on the overall balance.
The integrated leaching–CCD–SX–EW circuit
Understand the sequence of operations and the accumulation of impurities.
What is happening?
Leaching puts the metal into solution, the CCD washes the residue, the SX purifies and transfers the metal, then the EW deposits it. Recycling reduces certain water and reagent requirements, but also returns dissolved species to the circuit.
An impurity can accumulate if its inputs exceed its outputs. A purge modifies the overall balance: it can limit accumulation while removing water, reagents and sometimes useful metal.
The formulas, with their conditions.
τ = V/Qτ: h if V in m³ and Q in m³/h.
Use when: Nominal hydraulic residence time; actual behavior depends on mixing and recycling.
Where is this principle used?
SX–EW copper plant
Coordinate solution, washing, purification and deposition.
Metallurgical recycling plant
Manage solution loops and their impurities.
What to observe in the experiment
Reduce a purge and observe a species rarely extracted by SX. Explain its accumulation with an input–output balance sheet.
References and readings
This sheet explains the principles and their assumptions. Educational simulation can simplify the process; an industrial model requires suitable data and validation.
Have you understood the essentials?
Only one correct answer per question. Answer all three questions, then view the answer key.
Intu Lab · Understanding sheet · Kimba Christian