This is the initial presentation that SmartDry delivered on the Innovation Ecosystem Forum. We had some challenges with the functionality of this session and were unable to provide the verbal interactive Q&A. SmartDry was kind enough to present a second time so we could provide them with the benefits derived from that verbal interaction. There are also additional insights in this video.
SmartDry LLC is a hardtech, metal-mechanic startup with innovative and disruptive mechanical solutions (equipment) for dewatering and mineral separation for the mining sector. We are 3 founders with Ph.Ds. (2 in stealth mode, working residents in the USA) and myself, living in Brazil.
We were selected for the Phase 0 of the DoE/SBIR program with a proposal to develop Development of a new Inverted Leaching process for Uranium Extraction from crushed/milled ores and tailings under the Topic: C58-29. ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES FOR NUCLEAR ENERGY.
Presently we are looking for investors and strategic partners to develop pilot plant to take our TRL from 4-5 to 7-8.
Our presentation topic:
Inverted Leaching as a new mechanical process for metal extraction.
Leaching is a metal extraction process formed by two areas, a chemical and a mechanical solution. The chemical solution is formed by the specific lixiviant for a given specific mineral composition. Its goal is to dissolve more efficiently with lower costs the target metal(s). The mechanical solution is of three types: Heap, Tank and In situ leaching.
In situ leaching, the lixiviant is injected into the mineral formation inside the soil/formation at point A and removed from point B. During the lixiviant migration from point A to B, it dissolves the targeted metal(s). Lixiviant is pumped out at point B and metal precipitation/extraction is done to recover the targeted metal(s).
In tank leaching, lixiviant and milled ore are placed inside a tank under constant agitation. After 24-96 ours, the pregnant lixiviant is removed and metal(s) extraction done. In tank leaching, a high volume of lixiviant is used and the impacts between floating grains are of low energy type. Tank leaching is costly in CAPEX and OPEX terms and it is used only for high concentration ore grades.
Inverted leaching is a new mechanical extraction process based on liquefaction. By injecting a constant flow of lixiviant at the bottom of the solids and applying vibrations, liquefaction effects make the lixiviant to rise passing through the high energy impacting grains. Liquefaction needs a narrow humidity band to take place and the grains are in a semi-solid state, not floating like in jiggling. This should increase extraction efficiency, speed, reduce volume of lixiviant used, energy and allows for a washing and a neutralization step to be done once the extraction is done. Simultaneously, insoluble metals present in the material form a metal layer at the bottom of the vessel. This metal layer can be sold. So, in ONE loading operation, we extract all leachable metals present and insoluble are concentrated while the tailing is pH neutral, ready for mine closure/reclamation.
We believe that inverted leaching is the next step in metal extraction from high- and low-grade ores and tailings.
Негізгі бет 240124 SmartDry Dewatering and Liquifaction
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