Automated Antiscale Dosage Reduces Costs at Gold Leaching Operation

GoalImprove gold leaching process by reducing scale.

<h6>Customer Challenge</h6> <p>A large mineral processor was operating a Merrill-Crowe leaching circuit for gold extraction. For a long period of time the processor was lacking control of its antiscalant feed, resulting in scaling in the process water (barren solution) and unplanned shutdowns for cleaning and pipe and valve replacements. The antiscalant dosage was not optimized and, due to process flow variations (450 &ndash; 1100 m3/hr), was adjusted to peak demand resulting in overdosage.</p> <h6>Recommended Solution</h6> <p>Solenis recommended a more robust system to monitor and control scale in the gold leaching operation. The system, which is comprised of the patented OnGuard&trade; 3S analyzer and the OnGuard&trade; P controller, automatically controls antiscalant feed pumps rates based on real-time scale measurement. The system also provides daily reports on scaling rates and antiscalant consumption to assure proper scale control.</p> <h6>Results Achieved</h6> <p>With the implementation of the new monitoring and control system, the consumption of antiscalant was reduced by 20%. The operation of the gold leaching process was significanlty improved due to reduced shutdowns and reduced cleaning frequency of the processing pipes and valves. The system also provides automated alarms and early warnings of scale formation.</p> <p><img style="max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/link/de624ec2c80541a0826207678b476fef.aspx" alt="" width="1100" height="669" /></p>