Filtration studies for separation of solid particles from slurry generated in hydrometallurgical processing of ores and concentrates

Abstract

Polymetallic sea nodules are a source for the recovery of valuable non-ferrous metals. In this study the sea nodule residue from the leach slurry of Indian polymetallic sea nodules is filtered to separate solids from the leach solution. Separation of solid particles from slurry generated from hydrometallurgical processing of ores and concentrates. Separation of solid particles is usually carried out by the sedimentation and filtration operation. Sedimentation of slurry is done in a graduated cylindrical vessel. In filtration the slurry is filtered to get a clear filtrate solution and solid particles. Filtration of slurries such as sea nodule residue in ammoniacal liquor (20%) and Zinc carbonate slurry in water was carried out in a Buckner funnel attached to a graduated tube connected to a vacuum pump. The study was carried out under different conditions of pressure, slurry concentration, filter media et. The filtration studies have been carried out under vacuum pressure of 8 mm Hg to 100 mm Hg and 150 mm Hg gauge; slurry concentrations of 10% , 20% and 25%. Studies were done to know the filtration characteristicssuch as rate of filtration, plugging of pores in repeated use, filter cake resistance and filter medium resistance. The cake and medium resistance were calculated using the filtration equation.The cake and medium resistances were found to depend on filter medium pressure applied and nature of particles.