Analysis of leaching and cementation reaction kinetics: Correcting for volume changes in laboratory studies

An easy-to-use technique is described for correcting the volume change caused by sampling during kinetic studies of a reaction of any order. The method is not restricted to a fixed sample interval nor assumes an unchanging rate constant. Equations are derived for pseudo zero-order and first-order reactions. Experimental data from the leaching of a gold/silver alloy in cyanide solutions and from the cementation of silver on copper are used to illustrate the implementation of the correction factor.