Chemical Technology June 2015

Cost-effective, flexible, and sustainable production with Outotec

The Outotec modular process enables high direct recoveries with low inven- tory, has a low environmental impact, and can be adapted for a wide variety of applications.

and precipitation steps that are either sulfuric or hydrochloric acid based. The chemicals used do not form highly toxic compounds and can be mostly recycled for re- use within the process. This reduces both waste water volumes and fresh water consumption.

The result of decades of experience and continuous development in precious metals processing technology, the Outotec Hydro- metallurgical Precious Metals Process was originally developed for the treatment of anode slime generated in copper electrore- fining. Its cost-effective, modular approach can be adapted for a variety of different applications and can also be combined with other precious metals technologies such as the Outotec Selenium Roasting Furnace, Outotec TROF, or Kaldo Furnace. The process ensures effective separa- tion of impurities with high recovery. Impuri- ties can be converted into saleable products such as selenium, copper telluride, and lead sulfate to improve operational profitability. The recovered silver and gold are of a high grade and are melted and cast into ingots or granules. Operation is straightforward, with the pro- cess comprising simple leaching, filtration,

The process ensures effective separation of impurities.

Effective off-gas clean- ing not only improves working conditions and reduces environmental impact, it also improves precious metals recovery by allow- ing any metal traces that remain as droplets in off-gases to be captured. Key benefits include: • High direct recovery and high end-product quality with low inventories • Quick process with high level of automa- tion to enable consistent end-product

quality and smooth operation • Flexible and cost-efficient modular process design • Recovered impurities can be sold as by- products instead of being disposed of • Low environmental impact with no flue dust or slag generation.

Formoreinformation, email hydro@outotec.com, or go to www.outotec.com.

• WATER TREATMENT • CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION • PLANT MAINTENANCE, HEALTH, SAFETY AND QUALITY • NANOTECHNOLOGY J U LY

A U G U S T

• CORROSION AND COATINGS • PUMPS AND VALVES • DESIGN AND MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION • PETROCHEMICALS

FOR ALL YOUR ADVERTISING QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT: Brenda Karathanasis on +27 11 622 4770 or email brendak@crown.co.za

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Chemical Technology • June 2015