Regeneration and sulfur recovery of Lanxess Lewatit AF 5 catalyst from the acidic Albion leaching process using toluene and tetrachloroethylene as organic solvents

Adsorption of sulfur on Lanxess Lewatit® AF 5 resin during the acidic albion leaching process for chalcopyrite

“…When compared with each other, these procedures have various inherent characteristic advantages and disadvantages. However, the use of solid sorbents for the adsorption of sulfur is of considerable interest, due to the simple design, the cost effectiveness and the recyclability [ 20 , 21 ]. Consequently, in the present research, adsorption by a novel solid sorbent, Lanxess Lewatit® AF 5, was investigated for removing the elemental sulfur.…”

“…Adsorption capacity, porosity, adsorption rate and adsorbent cost are the most important factors utilized for the selection of novel adsorbents for the removal of sulfur from the leach residue. In addition, the adsorbent recovery and regeneration processes are important from both the economic and environmental perspectives [ 20 , 21 ].…”

“…Recently, a new type of carbon adsorbent, AF 5 has been developed and applied in the sulfide leaching processes. This adsorbent possesses significant advantages over other activated carbons [ 14 , 15 , 20 , 21 , 35 , 36 ]. It has been demonstrated that AF 5 has a much greater adsorption capacity and a higher adsorption rate than the other activated carbons.…”

“…This high adsorption capacity is one of the critical properties of the AF 5 which makes it an efficient catalyst in various processes. The application of AF 5 during the chalcopyrite leaching process has demonstrated that it can remove all the elemental sulfur from the leach solution [ 20 , 21 ]. The sulfur loaded AF 5 can be regenerated and reused in the leaching process.…”

“…Recently, a new experimental leaching process has been reported regarding the use of AF 5 for the removal of sulfur from the acidic Albion leaching of chalcopyrite [ 20 , 21 ]. The main objective of the present work was to investigate the sulfur adsorption mechanisms on AF 5 in the acidic Albion leaching process.…”