Optimization of Smithsonite Ore Solubility with Lactic Acid Leaching Reagent

In this study, optimum parameters for leaching performance of lactic acid reagent in smithsonite ore were determined using L16 (45) experimental plan in the Taguchi Statistical Method. Since maximum smithsonite ore extraction was desired for the result, Taguchi's 'bigger is better' performance formula was used. In the experiments; parameters affecting dissolution such as temperature, reaction time, particle size, acid concentration and solid/liquid ratio were investigated. When ANOVA analysis was applied to the parameters, it was determined that the most effective parameters according to F values were acid concentration, solid/liquid ratio and particle size, respectively. In addition, it was observed that zinc conversion increased with increasing temperature and decreasing solid/liquid ratio and particle size. The parameter levels that maximized the S/N value were determined to be 30ºC temperature, 0.01 g.mL-1 solid/liquid ratio, 1 M lactic acid concentration,-160.5 µm particle size and 20 min reaction time. Under these conditions, it was found that smithsonite ore was dissolved by 98.85%.