Enter Leaching Inputs
Example Data Table
This example shows a typical metal dissolution case for batch leaching analysis.
| Case | Initial Solute | Residue Solute | Feed Solids | Leachate Volume | Leachate Concentration | Stages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper ore test A | 125 g | 38 g | 4.8 kg | 12 L | 7.3 g/L | 2 |
| Nickel laterite test B | 210 g | 64 g | 6.2 kg | 18 L | 8.1 g/L | 3 |
| Spent catalyst test C | 88 g | 19 g | 2.6 kg | 9.5 L | 7.0 g/L | 2 |
Formula Used
Mass dissolved by balance = Initial solute mass − Residue solute mass
Mass dissolved by concentration = Leachate concentration × Leachate volume
Leaching factor = Mass dissolved by balance ÷ Initial solute mass
Recovery efficiency = Leaching factor × 100
Residue fraction = Residue solute mass ÷ Initial solute mass × 100
Liquid-to-solid ratio = Leachate volume ÷ Feed solid mass
Stage-adjusted factor = 1 − (1 − Leaching factor)number of stages
Design factor with safety = Stage-adjusted factor × Safety factor × 100
Consistency error = |Concentration route − Balance route| ÷ Balance route × 100
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter a case name to identify the batch, ore, or solution test.
- Provide the initial solute mass present before leaching begins.
- Enter the remaining solute mass measured in the residue.
- Add feed solid mass, leachate volume, and leachate concentration.
- Choose matching units for mass, volume, and concentration.
- Set the number of leaching stages and an optional safety factor.
- Press the calculate button to display results above the form.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to export the result summary.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the leaching factor represent?
It represents the fraction of solute removed from the original feed during leaching. A higher value means stronger dissolution and better extraction performance.
2. Why compare balance mass and concentration mass?
Comparing both values checks analytical consistency. Large differences may indicate sampling losses, poor filtration, evaporation, dilution errors, or incorrect concentration measurements.
3. What is a good recovery efficiency?
That depends on the chemistry, ore, reagent system, and residence time. Many studies target the highest practical recovery with acceptable reagent use and residue quality.
4. Why is the liquid-to-solid ratio important?
It shows how much leachant is used per unit of solids. This ratio strongly affects dissolution rate, mixing behavior, filtration load, and downstream solution handling.
5. What does the stage-adjusted factor mean?
It estimates the cumulative extraction effect across repeated leaching stages. More stages can improve overall removal when each stage contributes additional dissolution.
6. Can this calculator handle laboratory and pilot data?
Yes. It works for small bench tests and larger pilot campaigns, provided the entered masses, volumes, concentrations, and residue measurements use consistent units.
7. What does the safety factor do?
It adjusts the stage-based design output for conservative planning. Users may apply it when scaling up tests or setting internal process targets.
8. Is this result suitable for final plant design?
It is best used for screening, study work, and quick checks. Final plant design should also consider kinetics, mineralogy, impurity behavior, and equipment limits.