Microanalyser prototype for on-line monitoring of copper(II) ion in mining industrial processes

Abstract

A microanalyzer prototype for copper(II) ion monitoring in mining industrial processes is presented. The microanalyzer is designed as an assembly of di_erent modules, each module being responsible for a unit operation. In order to optimize the industrial processes, the microanalyzer can automate all sample management, signal processing, and mathematical calculations and wirelessly transfer data to a control room. The determination of copper(II) ion is done using a colorimetric reaction and the microanalyser performs autocalibration by in situ dilution of a stock solution, matching the higher analyte concentration of the working range defined for the sample to be determined, using a multicommutation approach. The performance of the microanalyzer for monitoring copper(II) ion in water effuents of mining facilities was optimized in the working range from 1 to 10 mg/L to match Mexican environmental law regulations, which allow a maximum concentration of 4 mg/L of copper(II) ion in these circumstances.