Processing the Cordero mercury ore in a baffled rotary tubular reactor

Abstract

The residence time distribution (RTD) functions were evaluated for liquids, and slimy and nonslimy solids using the Cordero Mine mercury ore in a rotating baffled tubular reactor. Employing the original RTD data, minor design changes were made to ensure good mixing between all phases during continuous operation of the reactor. The mixing characteristics of each phase were described by the use of the number of equivalent constant stir tank in series model and the dispersion model. The mixing of all phases approaches that of an ideal backmix reactor. The percent extraction of mercury in a cinnabar hypochlorite leach was also studied. The baffled rotatry tubular reactor achieved 100 percent extraction for all experimental tests. The maximum percent extraction achieved in four different types of constant stir tank reactors and a plug flow was 82 percent.