Simulation of heap leaching process by PSPD model

In this study a mathematical method called PSPD (profile side-pore diffusion) based on the work of Bouffard and Dixon [10] is proposed for simulation of solute transport through the pores of a heap, considering the reaction terms. The obtained governing equations are converted into dimensionless forms and are solved by writing a computer program based on an implicit finite difference method. The solution of the model results in the outlet acid concentration profile. In order to check the accuracy of the proposed model and also for determination of effective diffusivity of sulfuric acid in copper oxide ore particles, two experimental setups are constructed, one for measurement of the effective diffusivity and the other for measuring the rate of leaching. The effective diffusivity is obtained by two different methods which reconfirm each other. The copper oxide ore of Sarcheshmeh copper complex, situated in Kerman province in Iran, was used for experimentation. The effects of different factors such as particle size, acid solution flow rate and initial acid concentration are examined on the rate of leaching in two columns of different heights.Comparison of the calculated data with experimental data under the same operating conditions shows a good agreement between them and hence validity of the proposed model was confirmed. The results show that the extraction time of copper is influenced mostly by increasing the acid solution flow rate and decreasing the column height due to decreasing the advection time.