Bioleaching bioreactor with a system for injection and diffusion of air

摘要

The present invention relates to a bioleaching bioreactor that has a system for injection and diffusion of air, which allows control of the fine size of the air bubble, thereby improving the distribution of oxygen and carbon dioxide that are required by the microorganisms that promote the bioleaching process, with a view to maintaining cell concentration during the process. The bioleaching bioreactor comprises a reactor body for containing the pulp to be processed and allowing the reaction to take place; a support base for immobilizing the reactor body; a device for supplying pulp, which is projected towards the inside of the reactor body; a system for injection and diffusion of air for mixing and supplying the air required by the reaction process; at least four vortex-breaker elements located inside the reactor body; at least one heating element surrounding the reactor body for maintaining the reaction temperature; a pulp-exit port for delivery of the processed pulp; an entry port for pulp to be processed; an air-entry port located at the upper end of the reactor body; and a vapour-exit port located at the upper end of the reactor body.