A solution concentration model for CIP simulation

Abstract

Carbon-in-pulp technology is used extensively in the mining industry to recover metal cyanides from solution. Also this technology has found increasing application in the gold mining sector, replacing the less efficient zinc precipitation procedure. The extensive use of carbon in such processes have prompted many researchers to investigate the mechanism of metal cyanide adsorption. Not only has this provided many viable theories in the understanding of the mechanism, but has also led to an improved understanding of the effects of the various operating conditions on the ClP circuit. Also the modelling of this process has resulted in proposed rate equations of which the famous "kn" model is the most widely used in design. This is a single rate equation that could result in significant errors and hence a dual resistance model was developed. However this model is mathematically complex. Recently in an attempt to overcome the shortcomings of previous models, empirical calculations to accurately describe adsorption kinetics were developed at the Cape Technikon. These correlations were derived using batch experimental data. In this study the focus was on modeling the adsorption process on a continuous scale using a laboratory scale cascade system. This study utilized the fact that solution concentration is the main driving force for aurocyanide adsorption onto activated carbon and that carbon loading has an indirect effect on adsorption kinetics. The metal was ultimately tested against actual plant data and provided very accurate results.