The use of the logistic equation for modelling the performance of a biooxidation pilot plant treating a gold-bearing arsenopyrite-pyrite concentrate

• Published in: Minerals engineering Vol. 5; no. 7; pp. 737 - 749
• Main Authors: Miller, D.M., Hansford, G.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.07.1992; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Arsenopyrite; Biooxidation; BIOX Pilot Plant; Exact sciences and technology; Logistic Equation; Metals. Metallurgy; Ores; Production of metals; Pyrite; Refractory Gold-bearing Concentrate; Size enlargement: roasting, sintering, pelleting, agglomeration; Biooxidation; Logistic Equation; Refractory Gold-bearing Concentrate; Pyrite; BIOX Pilot Plant; Arsenopyrite; Gold ore; Gold; Ore treatment; Oxidation; Performance analysis; Modeling; Sulfide ore
• ISSN: 0892-6875; 1872-9444
• DOI: 10.1016/0892-6875(92)90243-3

Steady state data obtained during the two year operation of GENMIN'S Biox pilot plant treating an arsenopyrite-pyrite concentrate from the Fairview Mine in the Eastern Transvaal have been analyzed. Steady state conditions were identified and sulphide-sulphur chosen as the parameter on which to perform the kinetic modelling. Residence times of 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 days were used and steady state sulphide-sulphur removals in the four stage bioreactor cascade fitted to the logistic equation. The logistic rate constant, k, was found to vary from 1,35 d −1 in the first reactor, remain fairly constant in the second and third reactors and decrease to 0,31 d −1 in the fourth reactor. The extent of removal, X m, varied from 0,88 to 0,99 through the cascade. These values agree reasonably with the results of other workers using a similar concentrate. The logistic model was used to predict the performance of several different series-parallel reactor configurations and it was found that the 2111-configuration is optimal for maximum sulphide oxidation at shorter residence times.