METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BIOLOGICAL PROCESSING OF METAL-CONTAINING ORES

摘要

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BIOLOGICAL PROCESSING OF METAL-CONTAINING ORES A method and attendant apparatus for use in bioleach processing of metal-bearing solids is disclosed. The method includes the placement into a tank of metal-bearing solids, a predetermined quantity of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients and a species of microorganisms capable of oxidizing some portion of the metal-bearing solids and obtaining energy for growth from that oxidation. The slurry formed by this placement is continuously filtered to remove process delimiting metabolic end products produced by the oxidation reaction. The ratios of the various slurry components are monitored and controlled to effectuate an optimized enviroment for oxidation to occur. The attendant apparatus includes a means of introducing oxygen into the bottom of the reactor vessel in the form of small widely dispersed bubbles.