The optimization of dissolution of sphalerite ore in pressure medium

In this study, the optimization of dissolution of sphalerite (ZnS) ore under the pressure medium was examined using Taguchi method. Reaction temperature, solid / liquid ratio, H2SO4 concentration, stirring speed and reaction time were chosen as parameters for all experiments. It was identified that the dissolution increased with increasing temperature, H2SO4 concentration and reaction time, decreased with increasing solid /liquid ratio. The optimum experimental conditions were determined as follows : reaction temperature (oC): 140 , solid-to-liquid ratio (g.mL-1): 0.1 , H2SO4 concentration (M): 3, and reaction time (hour): 3. Under these conditions , in the sphalerite ore of zinc was dissolved about 95.58 % .