US3736238A - Process for the recovery of metals from sulfide ores through electrolytic dissociation of the sulfides - Google Patents
Process for the recovery of metals from sulfide ores through electrolytic dissociation of the sulfides Download PDFInfo
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- US3736238A US3736238A US00246435A US3736238DA US3736238A US 3736238 A US3736238 A US 3736238A US 00246435 A US00246435 A US 00246435A US 3736238D A US3736238D A US 3736238DA US 3736238 A US3736238 A US 3736238A
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- electrolyte
- metal
- sulfide
- chloride
- metals
- Prior art date
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- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title abstract description 104
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 title abstract description 76
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 title abstract description 76
- UCKMPCXJQFINFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulphide Chemical compound [S-2] UCKMPCXJQFINFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title abstract description 48
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 title abstract description 30
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 title abstract description 25
- 230000005592 electrolytic dissociation Effects 0.000 title abstract description 8
- 150000003568 thioethers Chemical class 0.000 title 1
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 abstract description 100
- NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfur Chemical compound [S] NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 58
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 38
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 abstract description 37
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 32
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract description 31
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 28
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 abstract description 26
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 24
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract description 24
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract description 19
- VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-M Chloride anion Chemical compound [Cl-] VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 abstract description 17
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 abstract description 15
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract description 14
- 229910021645 metal ion Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract description 11
- 229910052761 rare earth metal Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract description 11
- 229910001514 alkali metal chloride Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract description 10
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract description 9
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 9
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 8
- 229910001617 alkaline earth metal chloride Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract description 8
- 229910052804 chromium Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract description 8
- 239000011651 chromium Substances 0.000 abstract description 8
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 8
- 230000002378 acidificating effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 7
- WPBNNNQJVZRUHP-UHFFFAOYSA-L manganese(2+);methyl n-[[2-(methoxycarbonylcarbamothioylamino)phenyl]carbamothioyl]carbamate;n-[2-(sulfidocarbothioylamino)ethyl]carbamodithioate Chemical compound [Mn+2].[S-]C(=S)NCCNC([S-])=S.COC(=O)NC(=S)NC1=CC=CC=C1NC(=S)NC(=O)OC WPBNNNQJVZRUHP-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 abstract description 6
- 229910001510 metal chloride Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract description 6
- 150000002910 rare earth metals Chemical class 0.000 abstract description 6
- 150000001340 alkali metals Chemical class 0.000 abstract description 5
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 239000011593 sulfur Substances 0.000 description 32
- 229910052717 sulfur Inorganic materials 0.000 description 32
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 26
- 239000011133 lead Substances 0.000 description 23
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 21
- 150000004763 sulfides Chemical class 0.000 description 21
- VSCWAEJMTAWNJL-UHFFFAOYSA-K aluminium trichloride Chemical compound Cl[Al](Cl)Cl VSCWAEJMTAWNJL-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 18
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 12
- -1 rare earth metal chlorides Chemical class 0.000 description 12
- 229910052793 cadmium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 10
- BDOSMKKIYDKNTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N cadmium atom Chemical compound [Cd] BDOSMKKIYDKNTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 10
- JIAARYAFYJHUJI-UHFFFAOYSA-L zinc dichloride Chemical compound [Cl-].[Cl-].[Zn+2] JIAARYAFYJHUJI-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 10
- VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrochloric acid Chemical compound Cl VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 9
- QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sulfate Chemical compound [O-]S([O-])(=O)=O QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 9
- ORTQZVOHEJQUHG-UHFFFAOYSA-L copper(II) chloride Chemical compound Cl[Cu]Cl ORTQZVOHEJQUHG-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 9
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 9
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 9
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 229910052976 metal sulfide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- BUGBHKTXTAQXES-UHFFFAOYSA-N Selenium Chemical compound [Se] BUGBHKTXTAQXES-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 229910052787 antimony Inorganic materials 0.000 description 7
- WATWJIUSRGPENY-UHFFFAOYSA-N antimony atom Chemical compound [Sb] WATWJIUSRGPENY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 229910052785 arsenic Inorganic materials 0.000 description 7
- RQNWIZPPADIBDY-UHFFFAOYSA-N arsenic atom Chemical compound [As] RQNWIZPPADIBDY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- DVRDHUBQLOKMHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N chalcopyrite Chemical compound [S-2].[S-2].[Fe+2].[Cu+2] DVRDHUBQLOKMHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 229910052951 chalcopyrite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 7
- 238000005868 electrolysis reaction Methods 0.000 description 7
- 229960002089 ferrous chloride Drugs 0.000 description 7
- NMCUIPGRVMDVDB-UHFFFAOYSA-L iron dichloride Chemical compound Cl[Fe]Cl NMCUIPGRVMDVDB-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 7
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 7
- 229910052711 selenium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 7
- 239000011669 selenium Substances 0.000 description 7
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 6
- 235000019647 acidic taste Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- 150000001805 chlorine compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 5
- QSWDMMVNRMROPK-UHFFFAOYSA-K chromium(3+) trichloride Chemical compound [Cl-].[Cl-].[Cl-].[Cr+3] QSWDMMVNRMROPK-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 5
- 229910017052 cobalt Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000010941 cobalt Substances 0.000 description 5
- GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N cobalt atom Chemical compound [Co] GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- OMZSGWSJDCOLKM-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper(II) sulfide Chemical compound [S-2].[Cu+2] OMZSGWSJDCOLKM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 239000011592 zinc chloride Substances 0.000 description 5
- 235000005074 zinc chloride Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 229960000359 chromic chloride Drugs 0.000 description 4
- 239000011636 chromium(III) chloride Substances 0.000 description 4
- 235000007831 chromium(III) chloride Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 229960003280 cupric chloride Drugs 0.000 description 4
- 238000010494 dissociation reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000005593 dissociations Effects 0.000 description 4
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- HWSZZLVAJGOAAY-UHFFFAOYSA-L lead(II) chloride Chemical compound Cl[Pb]Cl HWSZZLVAJGOAAY-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 4
- 235000010755 mineral Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000007747 plating Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910052683 pyrite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- NIFIFKQPDTWWGU-UHFFFAOYSA-N pyrite Chemical compound [Fe+2].[S-][S-] NIFIFKQPDTWWGU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000011028 pyrite Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009853 pyrometallurgy Methods 0.000 description 3
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 description 3
- WWNBZGLDODTKEM-UHFFFAOYSA-N sulfanylidenenickel Chemical compound [Ni]=S WWNBZGLDODTKEM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- MBMLMWLHJBBADN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ferrous sulfide Chemical compound [Fe]=S MBMLMWLHJBBADN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- RAHZWNYVWXNFOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulphur dioxide Chemical compound O=S=O RAHZWNYVWXNFOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000003513 alkali Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000003841 chloride salts Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052949 galena Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052981 lead sulfide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229940056932 lead sulfide Drugs 0.000 description 2
- JQJCSZOEVBFDKO-UHFFFAOYSA-N lead zinc Chemical compound [Zn].[Pb] JQJCSZOEVBFDKO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XCAUINMIESBTBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N lead(ii) sulfide Chemical compound [Pb]=S XCAUINMIESBTBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- QMMRZOWCJAIUJA-UHFFFAOYSA-L nickel dichloride Chemical compound Cl[Ni]Cl QMMRZOWCJAIUJA-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 2
- HKZLPVFGJNLROG-UHFFFAOYSA-M silver monochloride Chemical compound [Cl-].[Ag+] HKZLPVFGJNLROG-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052569 sulfide mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Calcium Chemical compound [Ca] OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910021555 Chromium Chloride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910021591 Copper(I) chloride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- VMQMZMRVKUZKQL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Cu+ Chemical compound [Cu+] VMQMZMRVKUZKQL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- JPVYNHNXODAKFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Cu2+ Chemical compound [Cu+2] JPVYNHNXODAKFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- CWYNVVGOOAEACU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Fe2+ Chemical compound [Fe+2] CWYNVVGOOAEACU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910021380 Manganese Chloride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- GLFNIEUTAYBVOC-UHFFFAOYSA-L Manganese chloride Chemical group Cl[Mn]Cl GLFNIEUTAYBVOC-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Potassium Chemical compound [K] ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910021607 Silver chloride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000005083 Zinc sulfide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013019 agitation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003915 air pollution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052783 alkali metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052784 alkaline earth metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000001342 alkaline earth metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000012736 aqueous medium Substances 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- WDIHJSXYQDMJHN-UHFFFAOYSA-L barium chloride Chemical class [Cl-].[Cl-].[Ba+2] WDIHJSXYQDMJHN-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 229910052797 bismuth Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- JCXGWMGPZLAOME-UHFFFAOYSA-N bismuth atom Chemical compound [Bi] JCXGWMGPZLAOME-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000003842 bromide salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052791 calcium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011575 calcium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052947 chalcocite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229940000425 combination drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- OXBLHERUFWYNTN-UHFFFAOYSA-M copper(I) chloride Chemical compound [Cu]Cl OXBLHERUFWYNTN-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 229940045803 cuprous chloride Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- GRWZHXKQBITJKP-UHFFFAOYSA-L dithionite(2-) Chemical compound [O-]S(=O)S([O-])=O GRWZHXKQBITJKP-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 238000004070 electrodeposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000004673 fluoride salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052732 germanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- GNPVGFCGXDBREM-UHFFFAOYSA-N germanium atom Chemical compound [Ge] GNPVGFCGXDBREM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000004820 halides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000004694 iodide salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000002505 iron Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- OVMJVEMNBCGDGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron silver Chemical compound [Fe].[Ag] OVMJVEMNBCGDGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000011031 large-scale manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- LWUVWAREOOAHDW-UHFFFAOYSA-N lead silver Chemical compound [Ag].[Pb] LWUVWAREOOAHDW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- KWGKDLIKAYFUFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M lithium chloride Chemical class [Li+].[Cl-] KWGKDLIKAYFUFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 239000011565 manganese chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000002867 manganese chloride Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002609 medium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003340 mental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052754 neon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- GKAOGPIIYCISHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N neon atom Chemical compound [Ne] GKAOGPIIYCISHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000010287 polarization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052700 potassium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011591 potassium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001556 precipitation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000135 prohibitive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052952 pyrrhotite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000005204 segregation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052950 sphalerite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000003467 sulfuric acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052714 tellurium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- PORWMNRCUJJQNO-UHFFFAOYSA-N tellurium atom Chemical compound [Te] PORWMNRCUJJQNO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- DHCDFWKWKRSZHF-UHFFFAOYSA-L thiosulfate(2-) Chemical compound [O-]S([S-])(=O)=O DHCDFWKWKRSZHF-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000035899 viability Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052984 zinc sulfide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- DRDVZXDWVBGGMH-UHFFFAOYSA-N zinc;sulfide Chemical compound [S-2].[Zn+2] DRDVZXDWVBGGMH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25C—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION, RECOVERY OR REFINING OF METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25C1/00—Electrolytic production, recovery or refining of metals by electrolysis of solutions
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B17/00—Sulfur; Compounds thereof
- C01B17/02—Preparation of sulfur; Purification
- C01B17/06—Preparation of sulfur; Purification from non-gaseous sulfides or materials containing such sulfides, e.g. ores
Definitions
- An electrolyte comprising a soluble metal chloride selected from the group consisting of soluble chlorides of aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc and rare earth metals alone or mixed or in combina tion with alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal chlorides, the electrolyte being at least .5 normal in chloride
- U.S. Pat. No. 2,839,461 discloses an electrolytic process for the recovery of nickel from nickel sulfide but it is dependent upon the formation of a highly conductive nickel sulfide matte anode and is not applicable to low grade concentrates.
- Such common sulfide minerals as galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and chalcocite have resistivities many times that of the anode used in the processes of Pat. No. 2,839,461 and, therefore, that process cannot be used with these minerals.
- metal sulfide as used herein is inclusive of the complex as well as the simple sulfide minerals which contain economically recoverable quantities of the specified metals.
- the invention is a pollution-free process for the recovery of the metals of Groups IB, IIB, IVA, V-A, VI-A and VIII of the Periodic Table, from their sulfide and mixed sulfide ores or concentrates in which the sulfide is electrolytically dissociated in an acid aqueous media into elemental sulfur and metal ions which are then recovered from solution in the electrolyte media by conventional pollution-free techniques.
- the electrolysis process is characterized by certain critical process conditions which render it economically feasible, these being the use of:
- An electrolyte comprising: a soluble metal chloride selected from the group consisting of soluble chlorides of aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc and rare earth metal chlorides either alone or mixed in combination with alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal chlorides, said electrolyte being at least .5 normal in chloride ion,
- soluble halide salts including the bromides, iodides and fluorides, of aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc, and rare earth metals, are operative for the purpose of the invention; however, they are not as economically attractive as the chlorides of these metals.
- Soluble halide metal salts in general are operative as electrolytes for recovering metals from their sulfides in accordance with the process of the invention.
- the process parameters which have been found to control the current requirements for the process are electrolyte composition, feed particle size, operating pH range, operation temperature, and anode current density. As the examples which follow show, these factors are mutually interacting and dependent as respects their effect on cur rent requirements.
- sulfide ores and concentrates of metals of Groups I-B, II-B, IV-A, V-A, VIA and VIII of the Periodic Table are characterized by certain similar properties related to the electrolytic dissociation to elemental sulfur and metal ions therefrom by the process of this invention. For example, their sulfides all have relatively low conductivities. While certain nickel sulfides are relatively good conductors, others are not.
- the metal ions of these sulfides are most favorably produced by electrolysis in aqueous acidic electrolytes of soluble chlorides of aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc, rare earth metals, alkali metals, and alkaline earth metals, and mixtures thereof, at a pH range of up to about 3.9 using anode current densities above about 12 amperes/ft. with a sulfide feed particle size smaller than about 60 mesh US. Standard, and a temperature range between about 60 C.-l05 C. for the alkali and alkaline earth metal chlorides and between about 50 C.-l05 C. for the other electrolytes.
- the examples which follow illustrate that the power requirements for the process applied to recover the stated metals from their sulfides are well within the limits of commercial feasibility.
- the minerals containing the metals which can be recovered by the process often contain the metals in the form of complex or mixed sulfides.
- the electrolytic media for the process must be acidic as an alkaline electrolyte has proven unsatisfactory for recovery from their sulfides of the defined metals to which the invention is related. Elemental sulfur is not stable in an alkaline media because oxidation of the sulfur proceeds rapidly through thiosulfate, hydrosulfite, sulfide to sulfate. The presence of sulfate ions is undesirable because at high sulfate concentrations oxygen is rapidly evolved at the anode resulting in a decrease in current 4 efiiciency. Further, it was found that at high current densities in the presence of sulfate graphite anodes Were appreciably attacked and this type anode is the most satisfactory.
- Ferrous chloride is particularly effective as an electrolyte for dissociation of chalcopyrite as this compound is produced in quantity by the electrolytic dissociation of chalcopyrite in an acid medium.
- Aluminum chloride is particularly suited as an electrolyte for the dissociation of lead sulfide ores and concentrates, leadzinc and lead-silver concentrates, because of the high solubilities of lead and silver chloride in aluminum chloride. This discovery is highly unexpected in view of the insolubility of lead and silver chlorides in most solvents.
- Zinc chloride is preferred with zinc ores essentially free of lead.
- Concentrations of chloride ion in excess of .5 normal to saturation may be used for the process. Voltage across the cell is lower at higher salt concentrations and the latter are preferred except Where low grade feeds are used and where salt losses would therefore become significant.
- the particle size of the feed material is critical as it directly affects the conversion of sulfide sulfur to elemental sulfur.
- the elemental sulfur produced is extremely fine.
- the anode current attacks the metal sulfide preferentially to sulfur provided the sulfide has sutficient activity near the anode.
- the activity of the sulfide is a function of its concentration and its exposed surface area. Therefore, the presence of a high concentration of fine sulfide near the anode prevents the continuing oxidation of sulfur and results in higher efficiency and conseqeuntly lower current consumption.
- An average grain size for the feed sulfide smaller than about 60 mesh U.S. Standard is the operable range and is compatible with other critical parameters.
- a pH range for the electrolytic media up to about 3.9 is preferred. Current efiiciency is reduced at pHs above 3.9 and at very high acidities (low pH values) in the absence of substantial concentrations of the specified metal chlorides. In certain cases such as that of aluminum chloride which hydrolyzes at about pH 2.0, chromic chloride which hydrolyzes at about pH 3.0, and rare earth metal chlorides which hydrolyze at about pH 4.0, the acidity must be strong enough to prevent this hydiolysis.
- the preferred pH range is 0.3-0.8.
- the pH of the electrolyte is conveniently adjusted with hydrochloric acid.
- the reaction temperature of the electrolyte is critical and high process efficiency is not obtainable at low temperature.
- the preferential attack on the sulfide over elemental sulfur is accentuated at high temperatures and, indeed, at temperatures below 50 C. a substantial portion of the sulfide is converted to undesirable sulfate.
- the operable range is about 50 C.l05 C. when used in conjunction with the other critical factors. A temperature of C. is most preferred.
- the anode current density is also critical as used with the other critical parameters with a preferred range being above about 12 amperes/ft. anode current density.
- anode current density In contrast to the earlier prior art teaching (U.S. Pat. No. 2,761,829) it was found that high copper dissociation in copper sulfide concentrate in the presence of iron sulfide (pyrite) was attained at current densities of 240 .amperes/ft.
- a preferred current density range is 120-240 amperes/ft. Where pyrite predominates current densities of between 60-120 'amperes/ft? are preferred.
- current anode density may 6 in the process of the invention as operated within the critical parameter ranges of temperature, current density, pH and particle size.
- anode current density between 40-120 amperes/ft. may be used.
- anode current density between 40-120 amperes/ft.
- the necessities of cell geometry will dictate the anode current density.
- current densities 100-200 amperes/ft. are preferred at the cathode and this range of current density is suitable for high grade copper concentrates.
- plating lead or zinc at the cathode a current density range of 20-30 amperes/ft. is preferred at the cathode and is suitable for the anode.
- the following examples with results are illustrative of the process of the invention but not limiting thereof.
- the process is not limited to a specific electrolytic cell design or type of cell.
- the cells used in the examples comprised an anode section containing a suitable anode such as graphite or coated titanium, provided with means for agitation and heating, and separated from the cathode section by a diaphragm.
- the cathode section consisted of a suitable cathode of stainless steel, copper, lead or aluminum depending upon the metal being plated or the cathode reaction desired and was provided with means for liquid circulation and heating.
- ACD is given in amperes/ft. current requirement is 55
- the percent sulfur converted to elemental sulfur is computed by dividing the amount converted to elemental sulfur by the total amount of sulfur converted from sulfide sulfur and is expressed in percent.
- the metal dissolved in the electrolyte can be finally recovered by conventional methods such as, electrolysis, precipitation, cementation, etc., depending on the metal being recovered. In certain cases the metal can be plated out on the cathode during the dissociation process and recovered in this manner.
- Elemental sulfur is readily recovered from the electrolyte media by the process disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 233,352, filed in the U.S. Patent Office on Mar. 9, 1972, William G. Kazel, entitled Sulfur Recovery Process.
- EXAMPLE 1 The following tests were selected to illustrate the operativeness of aluminum chloride and ferrous chloride alone and with an alkali metal chloride as electrolytes of sulfide sulfur to elemental sulfur with low current consumption demonstrates the effectiveness of the electrolytes under the conditions for a representative metal sulfide.
- cupric chloride and chromic chloride the copper was recovered essentially as cuprous copper resulting in very high electrical efliciency.
- the copper recovered using cupric chloride and chromic chloride electrolytes was essentially cupric copper, this accounting for the somewhat higher current consumptions.
- the higher valent forms of copper and chromium are preferred because the lower valent forms have limited solubility.
- cuprous chloride may be used as the electrolyte instead of cupric chloride.
- the example illustrates that lead, zinc, and silver can For each test 400 grams of a 60 mesh particle size be recovered from their sulfides by the process of the low grade sulfide ore concentrate assaying by weight invention using a representative chloride electrolyte for 8.33% nickel, 0.337% colbalt, 5.16% copper and 37.8% the process of this invention and that the process is pariron were slurried in 2 liters of electrolyte and subjected ticularly effective for these metals with an aluminum to 60 amp'ere hours of current under the conditions shown. chloride electrolyte.
- ACD (amps/ft!) 12o 12o- 12 Amp-hrs/lb. Cu re- 1,566 463 558.
- EXAMPLE 10 The following tests were performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of zinc chloride as an electrolyte.
- the process is effective for the electrolyte recovery of the metals arsenic, cadmium, antimony and selenium from their sulfide ores.
- the process is equally effective for the recovery of bismuth and tellurium from their sulfides.
- the invention provides a process for recovery of the metals from their sulfide and mixed sulfide ores which has the advantages of being commercially feasible and pollution free.
- a process for the recovery of metals of Groups I-B, IIB, IV-A, V-A, VI-A and VIII of the Periodic Table from their sulfides and mixed sulfides, and mixtures thereof, by electrolysis with the formation of elemental sulfur and metal ions which process comprises:
- Test No 1 2 3 4 Electrolyte 3 M ZnCl 1.5 M ZnClr 3 M ZnCh 3 M ZnOlz.
- ACD amps/IL
- test No. 4 was performed at a 3.5 pH which than about 60 mesh US. Standard; is near the top of the critical pH range of 3.9 and this (0) maintaining the temperature of the electrolyte test shows the adverse efiect of low acidity on conversion media at about 50 C. to C., and the pH of of sulfide sulfur to elemental sulfur.
- the electrolyte media below about 3.9 while intro- 1 1 ducing electric curernt into the electrolytic cell to provide an anode current density above about 12 amperes per square foot to dissociate the metal sulfide into metal ions and elemental sulfur;
- metals are selected from the group consisting of antimony, arsenic, cadmium, copper, cobalt, iron, lead, nickel, selenium, silver and zinc.
- a process for the recovery of metals of Groups I-B, II-B, IV-A, V-A, VI-A and VHI of the Periodic Table from their sulfides and mixed sulfides, and mixtures thereof, by electrolysis with the formation of elemental sulfur and metal ions which process comprises:
- an electrolyte in an electrolytic cell including at least an anode and a cathode, the elect-rolyte comprising an acidic aqueous solution of at least one soluble halide salt selected from the group consisting of soluble halide salts of aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc, and rare earth metals, and mixtures thereof, the solution having a concentration from about .5 N to saturation;
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Electrolytic Production Of Metals (AREA)
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US24643572A | 1972-04-21 | 1972-04-21 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US3736238A true US3736238A (en) | 1973-05-29 |
Family
ID=22930676
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US00246435A Expired - Lifetime US3736238A (en) | 1972-04-21 | 1972-04-21 | Process for the recovery of metals from sulfide ores through electrolytic dissociation of the sulfides |
Country Status (16)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US3736238A (en:Method) |
JP (1) | JPS4921301A (en:Method) |
AU (1) | AU466261B2 (en:Method) |
BE (1) | BE798509A (en:Method) |
CA (1) | CA1006843A (en:Method) |
DE (1) | DE2315284A1 (en:Method) |
ES (1) | ES413885A1 (en:Method) |
FR (1) | FR2180661A1 (en:Method) |
GB (1) | GB1362943A (en:Method) |
IE (1) | IE37552B1 (en:Method) |
IT (1) | IT970635B (en:Method) |
LU (1) | LU67459A1 (en:Method) |
NL (1) | NL7305656A (en:Method) |
PH (1) | PH9597A (en:Method) |
ZA (1) | ZA732705B (en:Method) |
ZM (1) | ZM1973A1 (en:Method) |
Cited By (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3915818A (en) * | 1972-10-13 | 1975-10-28 | Corporacion De Fomento De La P | Electrowinning process for the improved recovery of metal |
US3926752A (en) * | 1973-04-09 | 1975-12-16 | John C Loretto | Direct recovery of metals from sulphide ores by leaching and electrolysis |
US3930969A (en) * | 1974-06-28 | 1976-01-06 | Cyprus Metallurgical Processes Corporation | Process for oxidizing metal sulfides to elemental sulfur using activated carbon |
US3957603A (en) * | 1974-06-14 | 1976-05-18 | Electromet, Inc. | Electrolytic gold recovery and separation process |
US3979265A (en) * | 1974-12-19 | 1976-09-07 | Continental Oil Company | Recovery of metals from sulfur bearing ores |
US3984295A (en) * | 1974-03-30 | 1976-10-05 | National Research Institute For Metals | Method for galvanically winning or refining copper |
US4148698A (en) * | 1976-04-01 | 1979-04-10 | Dextec Metallurgical Proprietary Limited | Refining of ferrous and base metal sulphide ores and concentrates |
US4181588A (en) * | 1979-01-04 | 1980-01-01 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Interior | Method of recovering lead through the direct reduction of lead chloride by aqueous electrolysis |
US4204922A (en) * | 1977-12-06 | 1980-05-27 | The Broken Hill Propietary Company Limited | Simultaneous electrodissolution and electrowinning of metals from simple sulphides |
WO1980002164A1 (en) * | 1979-04-09 | 1980-10-16 | Dextec Metallurg | Production of lead from ores and concentrates |
FR2502187A1 (fr) * | 1981-03-19 | 1982-09-24 | Centre Nat Rech Scient | Procede et dispositif pour l'electrotraitement de materiaux composites pulverulents |
US4544460A (en) * | 1981-06-09 | 1985-10-01 | Duval Corporation | Removal of potassium chloride as a complex salt in the hydrometallurgical production of copper |
US4545972A (en) * | 1981-06-09 | 1985-10-08 | Duval Corporation | Process for recovery of metal chloride and cuprous chloride complex salts |
US4552632A (en) * | 1983-07-08 | 1985-11-12 | Elkem A/S | Hydrometallurgical method of extraction of copper from sulphide-containing material |
US20100012502A1 (en) * | 2007-02-22 | 2010-01-21 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Process for recovery of metal-containing values from minerals and ores |
CN104169471A (zh) * | 2012-07-19 | 2014-11-26 | 吉坤日矿日石金属株式会社 | 从含稀土元素合金回收稀土元素的方法 |
CN113518757A (zh) * | 2019-03-13 | 2021-10-19 | 伊士曼化工公司 | 可用于制造环十二硫的方法 |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ZW17483A1 (en) * | 1982-08-05 | 1983-10-26 | Dextec Metallurg | Recovery of silver and gold from ores and concentrates |
ZM7485A1 (en) * | 1984-10-05 | 1986-04-28 | Dextec Metallurg | Production of zinc from ores and concentrates |
JPS6230827A (ja) * | 1985-04-25 | 1987-02-09 | Chlorine Eng Corp Ltd | 貴金属の溶解方法 |
-
1972
- 1972-04-21 US US00246435A patent/US3736238A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1972-07-21 CA CA147,684A patent/CA1006843A/en not_active Expired
- 1972-12-29 IT IT9833/72A patent/IT970635B/it active
-
1973
- 1973-02-02 GB GB522573A patent/GB1362943A/en not_active Expired
- 1973-02-15 ZM ZM19/73A patent/ZM1973A1/xx unknown
- 1973-02-16 PH PH14353*UA patent/PH9597A/en unknown
- 1973-02-22 FR FR7306816A patent/FR2180661A1/fr not_active Withdrawn
- 1973-03-27 DE DE2315284A patent/DE2315284A1/de active Pending
- 1973-04-18 AU AU54656/73A patent/AU466261B2/en not_active Expired
- 1973-04-18 ES ES413885A patent/ES413885A1/es not_active Expired
- 1973-04-19 LU LU67459A patent/LU67459A1/xx unknown
- 1973-04-19 ZA ZA732705A patent/ZA732705B/xx unknown
- 1973-04-19 IE IE631/73A patent/IE37552B1/xx unknown
- 1973-04-20 JP JP48044992A patent/JPS4921301A/ja active Pending
- 1973-04-20 NL NL7305656A patent/NL7305656A/xx unknown
- 1973-04-20 BE BE130239A patent/BE798509A/xx unknown
Cited By (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3915818A (en) * | 1972-10-13 | 1975-10-28 | Corporacion De Fomento De La P | Electrowinning process for the improved recovery of metal |
US3926752A (en) * | 1973-04-09 | 1975-12-16 | John C Loretto | Direct recovery of metals from sulphide ores by leaching and electrolysis |
US3984295A (en) * | 1974-03-30 | 1976-10-05 | National Research Institute For Metals | Method for galvanically winning or refining copper |
US3957603A (en) * | 1974-06-14 | 1976-05-18 | Electromet, Inc. | Electrolytic gold recovery and separation process |
US3930969A (en) * | 1974-06-28 | 1976-01-06 | Cyprus Metallurgical Processes Corporation | Process for oxidizing metal sulfides to elemental sulfur using activated carbon |
US3979265A (en) * | 1974-12-19 | 1976-09-07 | Continental Oil Company | Recovery of metals from sulfur bearing ores |
US4148698A (en) * | 1976-04-01 | 1979-04-10 | Dextec Metallurgical Proprietary Limited | Refining of ferrous and base metal sulphide ores and concentrates |
US4204922A (en) * | 1977-12-06 | 1980-05-27 | The Broken Hill Propietary Company Limited | Simultaneous electrodissolution and electrowinning of metals from simple sulphides |
US4181588A (en) * | 1979-01-04 | 1980-01-01 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Interior | Method of recovering lead through the direct reduction of lead chloride by aqueous electrolysis |
JPS56500378A (en:Method) * | 1979-04-09 | 1981-03-26 | ||
WO1980002164A1 (en) * | 1979-04-09 | 1980-10-16 | Dextec Metallurg | Production of lead from ores and concentrates |
US4381225A (en) * | 1979-04-09 | 1983-04-26 | Dextec Metallurgical Pty. Ltd. | Production of lead from ores and concentrates |
FR2502187A1 (fr) * | 1981-03-19 | 1982-09-24 | Centre Nat Rech Scient | Procede et dispositif pour l'electrotraitement de materiaux composites pulverulents |
EP0061392A1 (fr) * | 1981-03-19 | 1982-09-29 | Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique (Cnrs) | Procédé et dispositif pour l'électrotraitement de matériaux composites pulvérulents |
US4544460A (en) * | 1981-06-09 | 1985-10-01 | Duval Corporation | Removal of potassium chloride as a complex salt in the hydrometallurgical production of copper |
US4545972A (en) * | 1981-06-09 | 1985-10-08 | Duval Corporation | Process for recovery of metal chloride and cuprous chloride complex salts |
US4552632A (en) * | 1983-07-08 | 1985-11-12 | Elkem A/S | Hydrometallurgical method of extraction of copper from sulphide-containing material |
US20100012502A1 (en) * | 2007-02-22 | 2010-01-21 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Process for recovery of metal-containing values from minerals and ores |
CN104169471A (zh) * | 2012-07-19 | 2014-11-26 | 吉坤日矿日石金属株式会社 | 从含稀土元素合金回收稀土元素的方法 |
US20150047469A1 (en) * | 2012-07-19 | 2015-02-19 | Jx Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation | Method for Recovering Rare Earth from Rare Earth Element-Containing Alloy |
CN113518757A (zh) * | 2019-03-13 | 2021-10-19 | 伊士曼化工公司 | 可用于制造环十二硫的方法 |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU466261B2 (en) | 1975-10-23 |
ES413885A1 (es) | 1976-01-16 |
NL7305656A (en:Method) | 1973-10-23 |
AU5465673A (en) | 1974-10-24 |
GB1362943A (en) | 1974-08-07 |
IE37552L (en) | 1973-10-21 |
JPS4921301A (en:Method) | 1974-02-25 |
BE798509A (fr) | 1973-10-22 |
CA1006843A (en) | 1977-03-15 |
IT970635B (it) | 1974-04-20 |
PH9597A (en) | 1976-01-19 |
FR2180661A1 (en:Method) | 1973-11-30 |
ZA732705B (en) | 1974-12-24 |
LU67459A1 (en:Method) | 1974-05-09 |
ZM1973A1 (en) | 1974-11-21 |
IE37552B1 (en) | 1977-08-17 |
DE2315284A1 (de) | 1973-11-08 |
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Legal Events
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Owner name: CYPRUS MINES CORPORATION; A CORP OF DE, COLORAD Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CYPRUS METALLURGICAL PROCESSES CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004020/0240 Effective date: 19820615 Owner name: CYPRUS MINES CORPORATION; 7000 SOUTH YOSEMITE ST., Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:CYPRUS METALLURGICAL PROCESSES CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004020/0240 Effective date: 19820615 |