Hydrometallurgical processes are increasingly used for the extraction and processing of metals. Complex low-grade ores, which are more widely available today, can be economically refined using hydrometallurgical processes not applicable to pyrometallurgy.

The three main types of mixers in hydrometallurgy are autoclave, atmospheric tank and leach tank mixers. Mechanimix has professional knowledge and experience in autoclave mixers. The company is able to leverage its vast experience to deliver customized solutions. The company offers a wide range of services, including laboratory testing, CFD and FEA studies, design and manufacture of mixers and on-site service.

Mechanimix systems provide the following advantages over other technologies currently on the market:

• Superior mass transfer and higher circulation rates for solid suspension mean higher efficiency and better results from hydrometallurgical processes.
• Higher gas efficiency helps deliver significant cost savings.
• Lower operating costs thanks to stable operation even at very high ventilation rates.

Autoclave Agitators

Mechanimix offers customized solutions and has valuable experience in a wide range of autoclave applications. Our services cover a wide range of laboratory tests, CFD and FEA studies, design and production of mixers and field support.

Mechanimix offers a robust mechanical design and high-quality manufacturing (titanium clean room for welding). Through our sealing division, we offer a complete range of mechanical sealing solutions and sealing support systems for autoclave trains. In hydrometallurgy, autoclave technology is used when extraction with classical atmospheric leaching methods is not economical.

Autoclaves are typically horizontal vessels divided into 3 to 9 compartments or a series of single-stage vessels operating at high temperature and high pressure. Extreme temperatures and fluctuating pressure regimes require robust designs and top quality products that ensure maximum availability and lifespan.

Atmosphere Gas Tank Agitators

Stirred tank reactors under continuous atmospheric operating conditions serve an important basic function for many gaseous hydrometallurgical leaching processes.

• Bioleaching Reactors
• Direct Leaching
• Pre-Oxidation Tanks
• Cyanide Detoxification
• Arsenic Removal
• Iron Precipitation
• Gaseous Chloride Leaching, e.g. (for nickel matte processing)
• Recovery of Scandium and Rare Earth Elements (with SO2 gas)
• Battery Grade Lithium Carbonate Production (with CO2 gas)
  

In addition to achieving “Economic Savings” and implementing improvements in process performance, achieving cost optimization of such systems is a key goal. That’s why Mechanimix has developed special and unique gas vent solutions such as GDM and GDS.

Large Tanks and Leaching Tank Agitators

As the quality of orebodies often declines as rich resources are depleted, one trend is to process greater volumes of slurry in a plant or module, leading to further increases in tank sizes for current and future projects. These units must be designed reliably to ensure reliable operation of the entire plant. Mixing tasks can range from suspension tasks of solids to demanding blending of Non-Newtonian slurries, for example if increasing solids concentrations need to be handled.