USE OF MICROWAVE ENERGY FOR NON-FERROUS HYDROMETALLURGY
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to provide useful details concerning the applications of microwaves to leaching of non-ferrous metals from their ores and concentrates. The action of the microwave radiation on chemical systems is still under debate. A part of experts think that the observed acceleration of the reaction rates could be due to the different mode of transferring heat to the reagents and solvent. Others suggest that absorption of microwave radiation has some specific nonthermal activating effect on the reagent molecules.
It was discussed that non-ferrous leaching experiments under microwave radiation are very hopeful also from economical point of view. That is why it is necessary continue to study this event for common leaching agent and non-ferrous raw materials in order to compare observed results with those obtained under traditional conditions.
The comparison of several chalcopyrite leaching experiments under comparable leaching variables with microwave leaching of the same chalcopyrite is given in the end of paper. The last one is most favourable.
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