Our services

LABORATORY TESTS

 The laboratory test is the first step in the investigation and estimation of the feasibility to use the ion exchange (IX) technology to process the ore provided by the client. During the tests the basic parameters of the ion exchange process are determined. These include copper extraction rate from solids and liquid, resin saturation at different pH levels, consumption of chemicals and consumables, product quality simulation, residence time.

The results of the tests are used to evaluate the process flow diagram and estimate the capital and operating costs of the ion exchange plant for extraction of metals from the ore, tailings or other minerals.

MINI PILOT PLANT TRIALS

  The mini pilot plant (MPP) trial is the next step in the development and implementation of the ion exchange technology. The MPP is built in a way to operate in a pseudo-continuous mode that simulates a continuous ion exchange process and demonstrates the process capability.

Collecting and analysing the samples of the resin and pulp at different stages of the sorption process and under various conditions enables the determination of the optimum process parameters and the design criteria for the full scale plant design and construction. The data are also used to re-evaluate the technical and economic parameters of the full scale plant.

PLANT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

  Based on the process parameters determined during the MPP trials such as extraction rate, leaching time, sorption time, percentage of solids in pulp, consumption of chemicals and consumables, resin saturation with different metals, etc, the ion exchange plant is designed. It may consist of several stages - conceptual design, technical and economic assessment, engineering design, design for manufacture.

A part of the equipment for the IX plant is made by local or overseas manufacturers according to the engineering drawings. Some standard components (pumps, tanks, pipes, valves, compressors, mixers) are purchased. The plant is assembled at the mine location.

After the assembly a sufficient amount of IX resin is placed into the reactors and columns. During the commissioning the IX plant is tested and the process parameters are optimised.

PLANT OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

  Ion Exchange Australia provides services in the IX plant operation and maintenance. This includes staff training and management, procurement of resin and chemicals, operation supervision, the plant maintenance, relations with suppliers and buyers.

      Please do not hesitate to contact us in regard to ion exchange technology and ion exchange resins

Our email:
info@ion-exchange.com.au