A simple kinetic model for sulfuric acid leaching of copper from chrysocolla

Abstract

Experimental results obtained in room temperature laboratory leaching studies of lowgrade chrysocolla are interpreted by a kinetic equation of the form 1−(1−R)^1/3=(1/αKr _c) ln (αkKC ₀t+1) derived on the basis of a special form of the shrinking-core model and assuming chemical-reaction control. The experimental program encompasses a large range of particle sizes and reaction times and significantly extends previous experimental data on similar ore systems. The kinetic model, shown to be consistent with the experimental data, assumes the ore-particle structure to be characterized by pores and channelized regions which extend from the outer surface through a reacted zone into the unreacted core. Scanning electron microscope observations of unreacted particle surfaces as well as reacted particle surface structures lend support to this concept of leaching. The reaction rate is observed to vary inversely with initial mean particle radius, and diffusion in any form appears to be negligible by comparison with surface reaction phenomena.