Abstract:
In order to find out the effect of impurity minerals on uranium leaching in acid leaching process, based on batch leaching test, the mechanism of impurity minerals affecting uranium leaching was discussed by using reaction path simulation, and the time-space characteristics of impurity minerals affecting uranium leaching chemical field was discussed by using reaction solute transport simulation. The simulation results show that calcite, pyrite and hematite compete with uranium ore for acid, and the competition from strong to weak is calcite, hematite and pyrite. Pyrite dissolves weakly in acid leaching, but the generated low valence sulfur and ferrous ions can reduce the Eh of leaching solution, resulting in the reduction of uranium leaching. Hematite consumes acid, reduces the acidity of leaching solution, but promotes the dissolution of pyrite, thus affecting uranium leaching. In time, impurity minerals will delay the dissolution and migration of uranium in varying degrees, prolong the period of dissolution precipitation cycle of uranium and the complete dissolution time of pitchblende in the whole simulated ore bed, and reduce the uranium leaching rate. In space, impurity minerals will reduce the dissolution range of uranium in the simulated ore bed, during the dissolution precipitation cycle with the increase of precipitation, the time required for U(Ⅵ) migration and leaching is prolonged, and the peak value of migration and accumulation of uranium leaching is different.