In this work is carried out a study of the acid leaching of the polymetallic nodules by means of the use of a gassy mixture formed by SO2 and air. The study is developed in an experimental installation to laboratory scale and in the same one is realized a characterization of the main variables that intervene in this process, with the objective of achieving the biggest extractions of Ni, Co, Cu, Zn and Mn. Among the main studied variables they are: the time of reaction, the relationship mass liquid / solid, the consumption of H2SO4 and their effect in the final pH of the resulting liquor; being also developed a comparison among the results corresponding to experiments where different quantities of SO2, Air, and / or O2 are used.
During polymetallic nodules processing the metals (Mn, Ni, Co, Cu, and Zn) recovery plays an important role. High pressure leaching appears among the technological variants with perspectives for the recovery of these metals, however according to tests carried out at lab scale we can state that it is difficult to obtain higher Mn and cobalt extraction. To increase nonferrous metal and Mn extraction, specific additives and higher H2SO4 consumption are required. Taking into account the obtained results it is necessary to carry out a research work to achieve among others the following objectives:
Carry out laboratory scale tests to achieve the highest possible extraction of nonferrous metals and manganese at minimal extraction of iron.
Determine the distillation conditions of the SO2 contained in the marine nodules leached slurry, as well as the specific characteristics of the liquid/solid separation and washing process of the generated slurries.
The investigation includes the studies of variables inl1uence such as: gases rate, liquid/solid ratio, acid/ore ratio, reaction time, temperature, among others.
