ANALYSIS OF TIME DISTRIBUTION CURVE RESIDENCE IN A SYSTEM OF LEACH

Abstract

A study of retention time in an industrial leaching system adding carbonate of sodium as tracer substance was carried out. It was dosed of instantaneous form and the samples were taken in an interval of constant time around 3 min. The tracer distribution curve was analyzed from the qualitative point of view, empiric methods were applied and it adjusted to the model proposed by David Wolf and William Resnick applying the Statgrafics 4,1 program. The tracer distribution curve
in the effluent showed asymmetric and a falling long " line " after having reached the maximum concentration, implying a lengthening of the descending branch of the curve (less Gaussian and more exponential to the term. The presence of picks besides the corresponding to the maximum concentration ware appreciated indicating the presence of stagnated dead areas and internal short circuits, resulting in that the time of experimental retention was superior to the theoretical one. The pattern of flow belonged together to non ideal, intermission among flow Piston P=44,3 % and Blended M=55,7 %. It was obtained that the index of mixed, homogeneity degree, pulps
density and level of "arena" are variable to consider during the determination of retention time. Statgraphics 4,1 program allow to adjust the model with high regression statistician (R2), elevating the adjustment quality.