About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2027 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
CFD Modeling and Simulation in Materials Processing 2027
|
| Presentation Title |
X-Ray Tomography of Compressed Heap Leach Columns to Evaluate Pore Network Properties |
| Author(s) |
Santiago P. Reina, Aaron Young, Jiaqi Jin, Rosalia Jaramillocherrez |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Santiago P. Reina |
| Abstract Scope |
Heap leaching is a hydrometallurgical process used to recover valuable metals from low-grade ores by circulating leaching solutions through large piles of crushed rock. Its performance depends on efficient solution flow through interconnected pore networks, yet these pore structures are often assumed rather than directly measured. This research quantifies how particle size distribution (PSD), fines content, and depth-related compression influence pore connectivity and permeability using high-resolution 3D X-ray computed tomography (XCT). Laboratory columns containing representative run-of-mine and crushed ore were scanned before and after simulated overburden compression. Machine-learning image segmentation and Lattice Boltzmann flow simulations were applied to characterize pore networks and fluid transport. Results show that compression reduces porosity, particularly at mid-depths, while increased fines create agglomerated clusters that obstruct flow pathways and reduce permeability. Pore structure evolution is non-monotonic, reaching a critical stress threshold before partially recovering through particle breakage and micro-fracturing. These coupled mechanisms strongly govern heap hydrodynamics and metal recovery efficiency. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |