Spargers for Oxygen Service (gold/silver leaching)
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The use of micro-bubbles in the flotation of gold bearing pyrites, and in the subsequent cyanidation of such pyrites, results in very satisfactory gold and silver recoveries. Considerable savings in energy and maintenance costs were also obtained due to the conversion of both the flotation and cyanidation cells to include a combination of mechanical and pneumatic systems.
During the cyanidation of gold it is of most importance to obtain micro-bubbles of air in order to obtain a better and a more uniform distribution of oxygen. Initially in the process cyanidation is very quick and efficient, according to the Janin equation but, due to this reaction hydrogen is liberated which adheres to the pyrite particles to such an extent that it hinders the dissolution of gold. This phenomenon is known as "pyrite polarization". It is the oxygen that acts as the depolarizing agent to react with the hydrogen to enhance the proper dissolution of gold in the agitator tanks, and thus complying with the Elsner equation.
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