In this study, the surface optimization methodology was used to assess the effect of three independent variables—time, particle size and sulfuric acid concentration—on Mn extraction from marine nodules during leaching with H2SO4 in the presence of foundry slag. The effect of the MnO2/Fe ratio and particle size (MnO2) was also investigated. The maximum Mn extraction rate was obtained when a MnO2 to Fe molar ratio of 0.5, 1 M of H2SO4, −320 + 400 Tyler mesh (−47 + 38 μm) nodule particle size and a leaching time of 30 min were used.
Lithium has become a metal of enormous interest worldwide. The extensive use
of rechargeable batteries for a range of applications has pushed for rapid
growth in demand for lithium carbonate. This compound is produced by
crystallization, by reaction with lithium chloride (in solution) and by
adding sodium carbonate. Low sedimentation rates in the evaporation pools
present a problem in the crystallization process. For this reason, in this
work, mineral sedimentation tests were carried out with the use of two
flocculant types with different ionic charges. The tests were carried out at
a laboratory level using different dosages for each flocculant and
measurements were performed to obtain the increase in the content of solids
in the sediment. The anionic flocculant had better performance as compared
to that of the cationic flocculant, increasing the sedimentation rate of
lithium carbonate by up to 6.5. However, similar solids contents were
obtained with the use of the cationic flocculant at 3.5 times lower dosage
making it the flocculant of choice regarding the economic point of view.
The nodules are spherical bodies that are scattered within the sedimentary zone of the seabed, and their growth is closely associated with the biogeochemical processes and water sediments. These nodules are mainly composed of Mn, Fe, SiO2, Ca, Ni, Cu, Co and Al. Manganese nodules are an excellent source of base metals and sought-after and rare elements and the fact that they are used as a base elements matrix will be in high demand in industry. Previous studies have shown that primary con-centrations of chemical such as Fe in the system are beneficial for increas-ing manganese extraction. However, it is necessary to optimize the opera-tional parameters so as to maximise Mn recovery. This work investigates the effect of using of tailings, obtained after slag flotation ata foundry plant on the dissolution of Mn from marine nodules, where statistical analysis was distributed using factorial experimental design ontime, MnO2/Fe2O3 ratio, and H2SO4 concentration.
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