Systems and methods for monitoring metal recovery systems
AssigneeFreeport Minerals Corporation
InventorsJohn Warren Dean, JR., Christopher Wooten, Chase Zenner
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Abstract
Various embodiments provide a leaching solution monitoring module comprising a first leaching solution distribution system interface, a flow meter in fluid communication with the first leaching solution distribution system interface, the flow meter in fluid communication a 3-way pressure regulator, and a second leaching solution distribution system interface in fluid communication with the 3-way pressure regulator.
Claims20
A method for detecting plugging of an orifice of a metal recovery system comprising:
- passing a leaching solution through a leaching solution system comprising a leaching solution distribution system fluidly coupled to a leaching solution monitoring module;
- delivering, via an orifice of a pipe of the leaching solution system, the leaching solution to a metal-bearing material;
- measuring, by a flow meter of the leaching solution monitoring module, at least one of a flow rate and a pressure of the leaching solution;
- and
- detecting, by a monitoring system, a flow change indicative of a plugged condition of the orifice via data of the at least one of the flow rate and the pressure.
A system for detecting plugging of an orifice of a metal recovery system comprising:
- a leaching solution system configured to deliver a leaching solution through an orifice to a metal-bearing material, the leaching solution system comprising:
- a leaching solution distribution system;
- and
- a leaching solution monitoring system comprising a leaching solution monitoring module fluidly coupled to the leaching solution distribution system through a leaching solution distribution system interface, the leaching solution monitoring module comprising a flow meter configured to measure at least one of a flow rate and a pressure of the leaching solution;
- wherein the leaching solution monitoring system is configured to detect a flow change indicative of a plugged condition of the orifice via data of the at least one of the flow rate and the pressure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.