Abstract |
The purpose of the study was to develop methods for extracting sulfur and iron compounds from pyritic waste materials, producing a final refuse that is incapable of causing water pollution, and at the same time, conserving useful mineral resources. The primary method under investigation was the chlorination of pyrites in non-aqueous solvents. An attractive feature of the proposed method was its cyclic nature. Test results indicated that the successful extraction of sulfur and iron compounds depended upon the continuous addition of chlorine gas to the system. The expected replacement of chlorine by ferric chloride and sulfur dichloride was not achieved under conditions of the study. Recycling solvents through beds of pyrite, elevated temperatures, and treatment in ultra-violet radiation yielded slight improvements in reaction rate. |