METHOD FOR REDUCING FORMATION OF CaSO4 AND Fe2O3 CONTAINING DEPOSITS IN A PRESSURE OXIDATION AUTOCLAVE AND/OR ADJACENT CIRCUITS DURING PRESSURE OXIDATION OF GOLD-CONTAINING ORE

摘要

Formation of CaSO₄ and Fe₂O₃ containing deposits is reduced in a pressure oxidation autoclave and/or adjacent circuits during pressure oxidation of gold-containing ore. The gold-containing ore is combined with water to create an aqueous slurry that is heated and introduced into the autoclave. The method includes providing a scale inhibitor that is free of an organic polymer and includes an inorganic phosphate according to formula (I), (XPO₃)_m, wherein X is Na, K, H, or combinations thereof, and m is at least about 6, an inorganic phosphate according to formula (II), Y_n+2P_nO_3n+1, wherein Y is Na, K, H, an organic phosphonate; or combinations thereof, and n is at least about 6. The method includes the step of combining the scale inhibitor and at least one of the gold-containing ore, the water, and the aqueous slurry to reduce scale.