Development of Software for Hydrometallurgical Calculation of Metal Extraction

Abstract

Hydrometallurgy plays a critical role in the metallurgical industry by providing an efficient method for extracting metals from ores and secondary materials using aqueous solutions. This approach is particularly advantageous for processing low-grade and complex ores, as well as secondary resources that cannot be effectively processed by traditional pyrometallurgical methods. The objective of this study is to develop specialized software to automate and optimize the calculations necessary for metal extraction in hydrometallurgical processes. The software integrates a complete computational framework for automating the various stages of the hydrometallurgical process, including ore composition initialization, total element mass calculations, and the determination of metal concentrations in both metal products (matte) and by-products (slag). The methodology involves the design and implementation of a web-based application using Django for the user interface and MySQL for robust data storage. The computational module, written in Python, automates the mathematical operations required to simulate complex chemical reactions and metal extraction processes. This module supports real-time processing and ensures accurate calculations for each stage of metal extraction, including leaching, extraction, re-extraction, sorption, and electrolysis. The software also features detailed tables and dynamic graphs that allow users to analyze the distribution of valuable metals and assess the influence of key operational parameters on extraction efficiency. The results show that the developed software successfully manages large datasets, enhances the precision of hydrometallurgical calculations, and minimizes the risk of human error. The implementation of the software leads to significant improvements in the economic efficiency of production by optimizing metal recovery rates and reducing operational costs. Additionally, it supports comprehensive process control by providing actionable insights into each stage of extraction, thus improving the quality of the final metal product. Overall, the software represents a significant technological advancement in the field, offering a scalable solution for industries aiming to streamline hydrometallurgical processes.