Kinetic analysis of leaching reactions in multi-component mineral systems

Abstract

The rational design of reactive systems requires the use of kinetic models of system behavior. However, the development of such models for multicomponent systems is complicated by conditions of mutual interference in determining reaction rates. Addressing this shortcoming for mineral systems requires developing methods to solve the fundamental problem of identity and resolve the partitioning of system behavior between components. In this work a complete description of the problem of simultaneous rate determination under conditions of mutual interference is developed and progress towards solving this problem in microfluidic and bulk systems is presented. Results show that there are unique challenges posed in microfluidic systems that hinder the ability to accurately partition the behavior of the total system between its constituents. In contrast, the bulk system permits a practical experimental solution based on particle size and shape for certain classes of solid mixtures.