Interfacial properties of liquid sulfur in the pressure leaching of nickel concentrate

The effects of sulfur dispersing agents in the oxygen pressure leaching of nickel concentrate at medium temperature were investigated by interfacial studies. Liquid sulfur–aqueous solution interfacial tensions and liquid sulfur–sulfide mineral contact angles were measured at 140 °C, 690 kPa overpressure by nitrogen. The effects of sulfur dispersing agents including lignosulfonate, Quebracho, o-phenylenediamine (OPD), and humic acid were evaluated by the calculation of the work of adhesion in the liquid sulfur–sulfide mineral–aqueous solution systems. It was found that the sulfide mineral surface is sulfophobic at pH from 4.1 to 4.5 due to the hydrolysis of nickel (II) ions to nickel hydroxide and the deposition of nickel hydroxide on the mineral surface. These findings apply to four different sulfide mineral systems, including pentlandite, nickeliferous pyrrhotite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite. Lignosulfonate, Quebracho, and humic acid were found to significantly reduce the work of adhesion indicating they should be effective sulfur dispersing agents. OPD is ineffective in changing the work of adhesion of sulfur on the mineral sulfides indicating that it is not a good candidate for sulfur dispersion.