Optimization of microwave drying of CuCl residue using response surface methodology

The technology that CuCl residue from Zn hydrometallurgy was dried by microwave heating was studied. The influence of the drying duration, drying temperature and material thickness on dehydration rate was investigated. The response surface methodology (RSM) technique was utilized to optimize the process conditions. The optimum conditions for drying CuCl residue have been identified to be an drying temperature of 80, drying duration of 11 min and material thickness of 16 mm. The optimum conditions resulted in an CuCl residue with moisture content of 4.97%, which could ensure remove chlorine of CuCl residue by microwave roasting.