Numerical Analysis on Flow and Solute Transmission during Heap Leaching Processes

• Main Authors: J. Z. Liu, A. X. Wu, L. W. Zhang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hindawi Limited 2015-01-01
• Series: Mathematical Problems in Engineering
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/982436

Based on fluid flow and rock skeleton elastic deformation during heap leaching process, a deformation-flow coupling model is developed. Regarding a leaching column with 1 m height, solution concentration 1 unit, and the leaching time being 10 days, numerical simulations and indoors experiment are conducted, respectively. Numerical results indicate that volumetric strain and concentration of solvent decrease with bed’s depth increasing; while the concentration of dissolved mineral increases firstly and decreases from a certain position, the peak values of concentration curves move leftward with time. The comparison between experimental results and numerical solutions is given, which shows these two are in agreement on the whole trend.