pH-dependent processes in mineral processing including flotation, leaching, and precipitation require precise acid and alkali dosing.
Flotation collectors and frothers are pH-dependent. Copper sulphide flotation operates at pH 8-11, while iron sulphide depression requires pH > 11 with lime.
Alkali DosingCopper oxide and uranium ores require sulphuric acid leaching at pH 1.5-2.5. pH control maintains optimal metal dissolution while minimising acid consumption.
Acid DosingHydroxide precipitation of heavy metals at pH 8-10 removes dissolved metals from process water and tailings before discharge or reuse.
Precipitation pHAcid mine drainage from sulphide tailings requires continuous lime dosing to maintain pH 6-9 for environmental compliance and water recycling.
Lime Dosing| Process | Optimal pH | Reagent | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Sulphide Flotation | 8.0 - 11.0 | Lime (CaO) | Collector activation |
| Iron Sulphide Depression | > 11.0 | Lime | Pyrite rejection |
| Copper Oxide Leaching | 1.5 - 2.5 | H2SO4 | Acid leaching |
| Uranium Leaching | 1.0 - 2.0 | H2SO4 / HCl | Ore dissolution |
| Gold Cyanidation | 10.5 - 11.5 | CaO / NaOH | CN⁻ protection |
| Iron Ore Flotation | 7.0 - 9.0 | NaOH / Starch | Reverse flotation |
| Phosphate Flotation | 8.5 - 9.5 | NaOH | Fatty acid collector |
| Zinc Sulphide Flotation | 8.0 - 12.0 | CaO | Copper activation |
| Tailings Water | 6.0 - 9.0 | CaO / CaCO3 | Discharge compliance |
| AMD Treatment | 6.0 - 8.0 | CaO / Ca(OH)4 | Acid neutralisation |
Industrial pH/ORP controllers with automated feedback dosing for flotation circuits and leach pads.
View Full SpecificationsPrecision metering pumps for lime slurry, sulphuric acid, and caustic soda with wide turndown ratios.
View Full SpecificationsAutomated lime slurry preparation and feed systems for high-tonnage neutralisation.
View Full SpecificationsRemote pH monitoring with alarm management and historical trending for plant-wide control.
View Full SpecificationsThis treatment stage is engineered to achieve specific contaminant removal targets while providing stable, predictable performance across variable inlet conditions. Design parameters are calculated from wastewater characterisation data, regulatory requirements, and site-specific constraints including footprint, energy availability, and operator capability.
Design validated by CFD modelling and pilot testing to confirm performance guarantees.
Equipment selected for 20-year design life with minimal wearing parts and easy access.
Automated dosing and feedback control minimise reagent consumption and sludge production.
Online monitoring and data logging demonstrate continuous consent compliance.
| Design Flow | 10 – 5,000 m³/h (application specific) |
| Inlet Variability | Designed for 1:3 peak-to-average flow ratio |
| Removal Efficiency | 85 – 99% depending on target contaminant |
| Hydraulic Retention | Calculated from kinetic constants and safety factors |
| Power Consumption | 0.5 – 5.0 kWh/100 m³ (process dependent) |
| Chemical Dose | Auto-controlled based on online analysers |
| Sludge Production | 0.2 – 1.5 kg DS/kg contaminant removed |
| Materials | SS304, SS316L, or carbon steel with coating |
No treatment stage operates in isolation. This process is designed to receive conditioned influent from upstream stages and deliver effluent quality suitable for downstream processes. Hydraulic and organic loading rates are balanced across the complete treatment train to prevent bottlenecking and ensure overall plant efficiency. Our engineers model the complete flowsheet to optimise Capital expenditure and Operating expenditure across the plant lifecycle.
Screening, equalisation, and pre-treatment protect this stage from damage and overload.
Effluent quality ensures downstream biology, filtration, or disinfection performs optimally.
Reject streams, filtrate, and centrate are routed back to appropriate upstream points.
Our engineers design pH control systems for the harshest mining environments.
Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.