Modeling and optimization of oxide copper cementation kinetics

Abstract

In this paper, the parameters affecting the process of copper cementation, its optimization and kinetic investigation are studied. For this purpose, the main parameters, such as pH, copper concentrations, stirring speed, reaction time and the kinetics of the cementation process have been investigated by using the experimental design method. The results show that the three parameters of reaction time, stirring speed and copper concentrations, have the most effect on the copper cementation process, respectively. The experimental kinetic results showed that the reaction time and stirring speed have the most effect on the cementation kinetics, respectively. Also, the stirring speed -time interaction had the most effect on the cementation kinetics. Finally, the optimum conditions for cementation were 10 min time, copper concentration 3 g/l, pH = 1 and stirring speed of 500 RPM, that in the optimal conditions for cementation recovery was about 90% and the results showed that the recovery obtained from the experiments and the predicted recovery were in good agreement.