Simulation of Settler’s Launder of Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling has been applied to study the behavior of organic-aqueous dispersion on performance of copper solvent extraction settler’s launder in Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex. The simulations have been carried out with an Eulerian-Eulerian method in conjunction with the incorporated MUSIG model which is based on a population balance equation and takes into account the break up and coalescence models of droplets. Effect of picket fence on the launder performance and pressure drop of the picket fences in settler launder have been investigated. The model predicts that by setting the picket fences, flow pattern becomes uniform, laminar andturbulent eddies disappear, so, phase separation improves. By increasing the number of picket fences, phase entrainment decreases and pressure drop increases.

Simulation of Settler’s Launder of Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex Using Computational Fluid Dynamics Keywords:

Solvent extraction , Settler , Picket fence , CFD , Phase separation