Acid mixing process
for rare earth concentrates
Controlled acid mixing and reaction for rare earth processing
Controlled acid mixing and reaction for rare earth processing
In the rare earth processing route, acid mixing is an essential preparation step prior to acid bake processing. Stable sulphation conditions during the downstream bake depend on accurate and homogeneous acid distribution throughout the concentrate.
Variations in feed composition, moisture content and particle size can result in inconsistent mixing behaviour and unstable downstream process conditions. Controlled acid mixing ensures homogeneous acid distribution and reliable preparation of the concentrate prior to acid bake processing.
Ingetecsa’s acid mixing system is designed to ensure homogeneous acid distribution, controlled reaction conditions and reliable preparation of rare earth concentrates prior to acid bake processing.
At the heart of this process step is Ingetecsa’s acid mixer — where controlled mixing and reaction transform the dry concentrate, or PLR, into a uniform and friable material suitable for downstream acid bake processing.
The system is particularly suited for refractory concentrates such as monazite and bastnäsite, ensuring homogeneous acid distribution and stable reaction conditions prior to sulphation during the downstream acid bake step.
The mixer is designed to handle variations in feed composition, moisture content and particle size while maintaining reliable process conditions and consistent product quality. Controlled residence time and robust mixing action ensure accurate acid distribution throughout the concentrate.
Acid mixing of rare earth concentrates generates corrosive and hazardous vapours, requiring fully enclosed handling and carefully controlled operating conditions. Ingetecsa’s systems are designed to support safe plant operation through contained processing, controlled gas extraction and reliable handling of aggressive process environments.
Ingetecsa’s solution combines mixing, reaction and feed preparation in a single system, producing a stable and reproducible material suitable for downstream acid bake processing and subsequent leaching and solvent extraction circuits.
Discuss your acid mixing requirements
Advantages
Homogeneous acid distribution
Ensures stable and reproducible reaction conditions prior to acid bake processing.
Reliable downstream process performance
Supports consistent sulphation, leaching and downstream recovery performance.
Suitable for variable concentrate conditions
Handles variations in moisture content, particle size and feed composition.
Integrated mixing and reaction
Combines controlled mixing and feed preparation in a single process step.
Enclosed and safe process operation
Designed for controlled and safe handling of corrosive conditions and hazardous vapours.
Robust industrial design
Engineered for demanding rare earth processing conditions.
Robust and dependable operation
Ensures consistent product quality and simplified maintenance.
Optimise your acid mixing process
Ingetecsa designs acid mixing systems for homogeneous acid distribution and reliable preparation of rare earth concentrates prior to acid bake processing. Our engineers assess concentrate characteristics and process conditions to determine the most suitable mixing configuration for stable and reliable plant operation.