Extractive Metallurgy Division - Fundamentals of Mixing and Agitation with Applications to Extractive Metallurgy

Principles of fluid motion and turbulence which have been found to be of use in mixing and agitation problems are discussed, as well as suggested applications in extractive-metallurgy processes. Various types of impellers are described, together with other conditions that affect flow pattern and turbulence. The choice of equipment for particular requirements is considered, and equations for power input are given. Modern heavy-duty mixing and agitation equipment can take an increasingly important part in such extractive-metallurgy processes as solids handling, crystallizing and leaching, chemical operations, and flotation. Application of mixing and fluid-mechanics principles to extraction methods can lead to greater process rates and a resultant saving in time and money. MIXERS are being applied with increasing frequency to problems in the metallurgical industries. The increase represents in part the modernization of mechanical equipment used through the application of unitized drives, modern electric motors and speed reducers, and recently developed materials of construction. Some applications have resulted from process changes and the use of techniques for operations similar to those that have been demonstrated and proven in the chemical industry. Still more applications are being developed through the use of fluid-dynamics principles not previously recognized as applicable to these operations. It is the purpose of this paper to describe those principles of fluid motion and turbulence which have been found to be of use in mixing and agitation problems, and to suggest applications for them in the extractive-metallurgy processes. Modern mixing equipment has been designed to provide the fluid motion consistent with that best suited to different operations.' When properly applied, these more efficient fluid-handling mixers result in lower process-production costs. Metallurgical operations usually involve large amounts of solids. The characteristics of the ore control the process and only enough liquid is added to provide sufficient fluidity for handling and processing. The reactive part of the ore, the mineral value to be extracted, is likely to be low in percentage, and the quantity of reagent required is similarly low, but excessive dilution makes additional reagent necessary and therefore is undesirable. Thus, the primary problems in minerals processing are to handle as high a concentration of solids as possible and to distribute reagents uniformly. These pulps, or slurries, are in a range of solids concentration where hindered settling rates apply, and care must be taken to agitate and mix sufficiently to maintain suspension and flow throughout the equipment. Such slurries have high densities which are the weighted average of the components and viscosities that are spoken of as "effective viscosities" but are difficult to evaluate. It is convenient to separate metallurgical operations involving mixers and agitators into three categories: solids handling, mechanical or physical operations, and chemical operations. In each of these categories fluid motion is required to maintain suspension, to distribute surface-active agents, to blend components and reactants, and to induce high rates of chemical reaction. After a discussion of some basic principles of mixing and agitation, examples of application to the three categories will follow. Fluid Motion The fundamental problems of mixing and agitation of liquids have to do with the mechanics of fluid streams and the means by which they are