Leaching kinetics of the magnetic fraction of converter matte in sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid solutions

The kinetic peculiarities of the dissolution of the magnetic fraction of converter matte in H₂SO₄ (150 g/l) and HCl (200 g/l) solutions are studied in the temperature range of 30–90°C. Under comparable conditions, the dissolution rate of the magnetic fraction of converter matte in HCl solutions is shown to be substantially higher than that in H₂SO₄ solutions. The kinetic parameters of the processes under study are calculated. It is found that the dissolution of the magnetic fraction of converter matte in a sulfuric acid solution occurs within a diffusion range (E _a ∼ 6.5 kcal/mol), whereas the dissolution in a hydrochloric acid solution corresponds to a kinetic range (E _a ∼ 15 kcal/mol). Possible mechanisms of the dissolution of the magnetic fraction of converter matte in mineral acid solutions are considered.