Attainable region analysis for batch/continuous reductive column leaching of oxidized cobalt-bearing ore
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17159/Abstract
This study investigates the solubilization of cobalt using sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) in a batch reactor system, employing attainable region (AR) analysis to optimize yield and minimize SO₂ loss. Experimental data, validated through an independent set, enabled the modeling of yield versus SO₂ loss, highlighting operational boundaries for enhanced reactor design. The simulations incorporated kinetic parameters for cobalt (k_Co = 0.025 min⁻¹) and SO₂ (k_SO₂ = 0.01 min⁻¹), with the AR curves plotted to guide the development of efficient processing strategies. The analysis demonstrated that different reactor configurations—including plug flow reactors (PFRs), continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTRs), and hybrid PFR–CSTR networks—can be evaluated within the AR framework to identify optimal designs. The hybrid configurations offered potential pathways to approach the upper boundary of the AR, where both high yield and low SO₂ loss are achievable. The methodology also addressed challenges such as reactant depletion and recirculation effects. This AR-based approach provides a flexible decision-support tool for guiding future reactor scale-up and continuous operation. Further work is needed to validate these insights at pilot and industrial scales, including integration with economic assessments and process control models.
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