Improvements in Hydrometallurgical Uranium Circuit Capital and Operating Costs by Water Management and Integration of Utility and Process Energy Targets

摘要

Recovery of uranium from low-grade ores often results in hydrometallurgical processing plants that operate at low uranium concentration, high volumetric flow rates and relatively large-sized equipment.Focusing on water management and integration of utility and process energy targets provides significant opportunities to reduce capital and operating costs of uranium hydrometallurgical circuits.The effect of stream composition on the capital cost is examined using an alkaline leach uranium hydrometallurgical circuit with direct uranium precipitation as an example. Alternatives for removal of water from the circuit are compared technically and economically.The energy requirements for the process and utilities are examined using energy targets. The integration of the process and utility heat flows reduce energy consumption and provides energy for water removal.The capital and operating cost savings for the circuit are quantified and are shown for an improved flow sheet.