NOUFERROUS METALLURGICAL EQUIPMENT

In response to the challenges of low nickel and cobalt grades and the difficulty of effectively separating impurity metals in laterite nickel ores, industrial production commonly employs a high-temperature and high-pressure sulfuric acid hydrometallurgical leaching process. This process enables the reaction of metal oxides in the ore with sulfuric acid to form soluble sulfates, facilitating the conversion of nickel, cobalt, and impurity metal ions. To enhance product purity, precise control of precipitation pH is required to achieve effective separation between impurity ions and valuable metal ions. Based on the solubility equilibrium constants of different metal precipitates, this paper derives a pH control formula suitable for actual operating conditions and establishes a theoretical model applicable to industrial production. The research results provide a theoretical basis for efficient impurity removal and product quality improvement, supporting the efficient development and stable operation of laterite nickel ore resources.