Study of the impurity dissolution kinetics, rheological characterization, and hydrodynamic aspects during the bioleaching of iron ore pulp in a bioreactor

Abstract This research aims to study the rheological behavior and impurities dissolution kinetics in a bioleaching process of two particle sizes and three different pulp densities, which are analyzed and compared. It was found that the small particle size with 40% (w/w) pulp density provides the maximum dissolution of impurities in the shortest bioleaching time (in 2 days). Furthermore, through a CFD simulation in a system with 40% (w/w) pulp density and 44 μm particle size, a stirring speed of 700 rpm provides the best mixing conditions in the bioreactor, enabling good distribution of recirculation zones and adequate streamline patterns with a viscosity map that minimizes regions of high and low viscosity. Graphical abstract