Numerical simulation of solid-liquid suspension in a slurry electrolysis stirred tank

Slurry electrolysis (SE) is a hydrometallurgical process that has a good potential for application in the extraction of metals from polymetallic complex mines. The particle size (d), impeller diameter (D) and liquid level (H) on the effect of solid-liquid suspension characteristics were investigated numerically, which has been verified by experiments. The results showed that the homogeneity decreased significantly with the increase of particle size. When the homogeneity was >= 0.9, the particles reached uniform suspension. The impeller diameter had a great influence on the liquid flow at the upper end of the tank, whereas the homogeneity first increased, and then, tended to be stabilized with the increase of power. When D= T/3, the power required to meet uniform suspension was the smallest, and had the value of 6.28 kW. The higher the liquid level, the worse the homogeneity of the particles, and the lower the power consumption.(c) 2022 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Slurry electrolysis (SE), a hydrometallurgical process, can be applied to extract metals from polymetallic complex mines. Numerical investigations supported by experiments revealed the influences of particle size (d), impeller diameter (D), and liquid level (H) on solid-liquid suspension characteristics. The results showed that particle size significantly affected homogeneity, impeller diameter affected liquid flow, and liquid level affected both homogeneity and power consumption.