Model for Assessment and Computational Analysis of the Concentration of Zinc Dissolved during Leaching of Sphalerite in Butanoic Acid Solution

C. I. Nwoye, I. E. Mbuka

Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria..
Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka,Anambra State, Nigeria..

DOI: 10.4236/jmmce.2010.95034                

Abstract

A model for assessment and computational analysis of the concentration of zinc dissolved during leaching of sphalerite in butanoic acid solution has been derived. The model Zn = Antilog [(exp(γ/α))^0.6173] is dependent on the initial and final pH of the leaching solution. The validity of the model was found to be rooted in the expression (Log Zn)^1.62 = exp(γ/α) where both sides of the expression are approximately equal to 3. The maximum deviation of the model-predicted concentrations of dissolved zinc from that of the corresponding experimental values is less than 14% which is quite within the acceptable deviation limit of experimental results.

Keywords

Model, Dissolved Zinc, Sphalerite, Butanoic Acid Solution, Leaching.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	Bogue, R.G., Reynolds, R.R. (1951) Report on the Lead-Zinc Deposits of the Abakiliki District Ogoja Province, Nigeria (unpublished manuscripts).
[2]	Udum, J.T., (1998) Beneficiation Studies of Ishiagu Pb – Zn ore Trans SME/AIME 24(1): 500
[3]	Okoro, C.C. (2004) Hydrometallurgical Extraction of Lead from Ishiagu Galena, B. Eng. Project Materials and Metallurgical Engineering Dept., Federal University of Technology Owerri.
[4]	Onyemaobi, O. O.(1990) Evaluation of Flotation Performance of Nigeria’s Sphalente (ZnS) Without Activation by copper. Ife Journal of Tech. 2(2):21-25.
[5]	Onyemaobi, O.O. Anyakwo, C.N. (1996) Factors Affecting the Performance of Nigeria’s Lead and Zinc Ores for Industrial Usage JSET, 3(1): 46.
[6]	Onyemaobi, O.O. (1990) Flotability of Ishiagu Galena as Raw Materials for Smelters. Nigeria Journal of Applied Science 8 (1): 93-101.
[7]	Agha, U.H. (1990) Role of PH on Flotation of Sphalerite from Ishiagu Lead-Zinc Ore, Nigeran Journal of Applied Science 2 (2):4-6.
[8]	Olubambi, P.A, Ndlovu, S., Potgieter, H., Borode, J.O. (2007) Effects of Ore Mineralogy on the Microbial Leaching of Low Grade Complex Sulphide Ore. Hydrometallurgy 86: 96-104.
[9]	Olubami, P.A., Borode, J.O., Ndlovu, S. (2006) Sulphuric Acid Leaching of Zinc and Copper from Nigerian Complex Sulphide Ore in the Presence of Hydrogen Peroxide. Journal of the Southern African Inst. Of Mining and Metallurgy 106: 765-769.
[10]	Nwoye, C. I. (2008) Ph.D Thesis, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, Owerri,178.
[11]	Haver, F.P., Wong, M. M. (1971) Recovering Elemental Sulfur from Non-Ferrous Minerals. Rep.Invest. U.S Bur. Mines 7474,20 in Orlowska L and Golab B; Microbial Leaching of Blende Flotation Concentrate using Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus Thiooxidans Physicochemical Problems of Mineral processing 37,1990,58.
[12]	Sklodowska, R. (1990) Microbial Leaching of Blende Flotation Concentrate using Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus Thiooxidans; Physico Chemical Problems of Mineral Processing 37:58.
[13]	Cwalina, W. (1994) Microbial Leaching of Blende Flotation Concentrate using Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans and Acidthiobacillus Thiooxidans Physicochemical Problems of Mineral Processing 37:58.
[14]	Makita, M., Esperon, M., Pereyra, B., Lopez, A., Orrantia, E. (2004) Reduction of Arsenic Content in a Complex Galena Concentrate by Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans; BioMed Central Biotechnology, 4:22 doi: 10.1186/1472-6750-6750-4-22 (published on line)
[15]	Williamson, S., Rimstidt, M., Smith, T., Schumate, H. (2005) Rates of Leaching in Single and Two Phase System. Min. mag., 3
[16]	Prosper, I. (2005) Acid leaching of lead sulphide, J. Med. Central. 3(4):13-16.
[17]	Rawlings, D.E. (2005) Characteristics and Adaptability of Iron and Sulphur Oxidizing Microorganisms Used for the Recovery of Metals from Minerals and Their Concentrates, Bio Med Central, 4:13 doi 10:1186/1475-2859-4-13 (published on line)
[18]	Dutrizac, J.E. (1986) The Dissolution of Galena in Ferric Chloride Media, Metallurgical Transactions B, 17B: 77.
[19]	Seon-Hyo, K. K., Henein, H., Warren, G.W (1986) An Investigation of the Thermodynamics and Kinetics of the Ferric Chloride Brine Leaching of Galena Concentrate. Metallurgical Transaction B, 17B:26.
[20]	Dix, R.B., Hendrix, J. L. (1986) Kinetics of Cl2-O2 Leaching of Lead–Zinc Flotation Concentrates. University of Nevada Reno, 89557
[21]	Pinches, A. (1975) Bacterial Leaching of an Arsenic Bearing Sulphide Concentrate. The Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, England, 34.
[22]	Nwoye, C. I. (2008) SynchroWell Research Work Report, DFM Unit, No 2008600, 15-28.
[23]	Nwoye, C. I. (2009) Model for Predicting the Initial Solution pH at Pre-Assumed Final pH and Concentration of Dissolved Zinc during Leaching of Galena in Butanoic Acid Solution. Journal of Minerals, Material Characterization & Engineering,8(8):621-633.
[24]	Nwoye, C. I. (2006) SynchroWell Research Work Report, DFM Unit, No 20061103, 56-64.