Evaluation of the Redostat™ device for the study of ferrous iron biological oxidation kinetics.
Master Thesis
2007
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Heap bioleaching is an established metallurgical route for the recovery of copper from low grade sulphide ores and pretreatment of refractory gold bearing sulphides. However, metal recovery is generally low (80 to 85% copper recovery is achieved in about a year) due to the slow heap bioleaching kinetics. It is believed that more metal values can be recovered in a shorter timeframe, if the kinetics of ferrous iron biological oxidation can be accelerated. This requires careful study of the bio-oxidation kinetics under heap-like conditions. Two different experimental methods are commonly used for the study of ferrous iron biological oxidation kinetics, namely batch and continuous culture techniques. However, the continuously changing conditions in batch culture and the slowness and bacterial wash out in continuous culture are significant weaknesses for these experimental methods. This work has evaluated the Redostat™ device for faster and controlled ferrous iron biological oxidation kinetics studies. The Redostat™ device offers controlled conditions as in continuous culture but the speed and concentration range of batch culture.
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Includes bibliographical references (leaves 85-89).
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Kazadi, T. 2007. Evaluation of the Redostat™ device for the study of ferrous iron biological oxidation kinetics. University of Cape Town.