Patent ID: 7713500
Filing Date: 2010-05-11
Classification: C22B,Y02P

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for the oxidative leaching of an ore or concentrate, the apparatus comprising at least one reaction vessel and at least one flash cooler, said at least one reaction vessel and at least one flash cooler being arranged to facilitate recirculation of leach liquor therebetween, and the dissipation of heat therefrom, the at least one flash cooler being arranged to communicate with at least one condenser to which gases pass from the at least one reaction vessel and condense, thereby creating a negative pressure or vacuum in the at least one flash cooler, the apparatus further comprising means for passing leach liquor from the at least one reaction vessel directly to the at least one flash cooler and for recirculating the leach liquor from the at least one flash cooler directly to the at least one reaction vessel so that heat is dissipated from the leach liquor without introduction of liquid that would dilute the leach liquor.