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Pressure oxidation refers to the oxidation of sulphides such as pyrite (FeS 2),
marcasite (FeS2) and arsenopyrite (FeAsS) at elevated temperatures and pressures.
This process is carried in a pressure vessel called an autoclave.
Pyrite/Marcasite Oxidation:
2FeS2 + 7O2 + 2H2O 2FeSO4 + 2H2SO4.1
2FeSO4 + H2SO4 + O2 Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O.2
Fe2(SO4)3 +3H2O Fe2O3() + 3H2SO4.3
Arsenopyrite Oxidation:
4FeAsS + 11O2 + 2H2O 4HAsO2 + 4FeSO4.4
4FeSO4 + 2H2SO4 + O2 2Fe2(SO4)3 + 2H2O.5
2HAsO2 + O2 +2H2O 2H3AsO4.6
Fe2(SO4)3 + 2H3AsO4 2FeAsO4 + 3H2SO4.7
From the above reactions, the following should be noted:
The conversion of ferrous sulphate to ferric sulphate in the autoclave,
equations 1 and 2, is highly desirable because ferrous sulphate consumes
cyanide in the cyanidation step and increases operating cost, and
The ferric arsenate produced, equation 7, is considered to be crystalline and
does not pose an environmental hazard
Oxidation releases locked/occluded gold, Figure 2
Acid autoclaving uses exotic materials of construction, which increases capital and
operating costs. The lining of the autoclave vessel is 8mm lead on the carbon steel
shell. This lead lining is overlaid by 3mm fibrefrax paper on which 23cms acid bricks
are laid, Figure 4. Valves on the autoclave are made of titanium.