Simulation of Heap Leaching Process in Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex

A mathematical model called PSPD (Profile Side-Pore Diffusion) with uniform pore length is derived in dimensionless form to simulate the transport of solutes through the flowing channels and the stagnant pores of an unsaturated heap. Model parameters are determined from some experimental tests on copper oxide ore of Sarcheshmeh Copper Comlex.The effects of three factors (particle size, solution flow rate and bed height) are examined. Data from experimental test prove that the advection time is directly proportional to the column height and inversely proportional to the flow rate. This in turn suggests that the model can predict and/or simulates the hydrodynamic behavior in taller columns and possibly heaps.