Elution & Electrowinning Plant Specifications
The figures below describe typical industry specifications for this class of equipment rather than a single fixed model. Use them to scope a requirement, then confirm exact figures against the supplied unit before purchase.
| Specification | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Carbon batch size | 0.5–10 t per cycle |
| Elution methods | Zadra (atmospheric or pressure) and AARL |
| Operating temperature | 110–140 °C |
| Operating pressure | 150–350 kPa for pressure Zadra |
| Eluant | 1–2% NaOH with 0.1–2% NaCN, per method |
| Cycle time | 8–24 h depending on method and loading |
| Heating | Diesel or electric boiler with heat exchanger |
| Electrowinning cathodes | Steel wool or stainless mesh |
| Cell current density | 10–40 A/m² typical |
| Gold in barren carbon | Target below 100 g/t after strip |
| Vessel construction | Stainless steel, insulated and pressure rated |
| Ancillaries | Acid wash, carbon regeneration kiln, rectifier |
What a Elution & Electrowinning Plant Is Used For
- CIL and CIP plant gold recovery
- Heap leach carbon column stripping
- Toll elution for small operators sharing a facility
- Carbon regeneration and reactivation circuits
Maintenance Schedule
Most premature failures in this equipment class trace back to a missed routine check rather than a design fault. The intervals below are a practical starting schedule; adjust them to your duty cycle and the manufacturer manual.
| Interval | Task |
|---|---|
| Every cycle | Check vessel pressure relief and temperature control; sample barren carbon to confirm strip efficiency. |
| Weekly | Inspect cathodes and harvest gold sludge; check rectifier output and cell busbar connections. |
| Monthly | Descale heat exchanger; inspect pump seals and pipework for cyanide leaks; test gas detection in the area. |
| Quarterly | Pressure vessel inspection; recalibrate temperature and pressure instrumentation. |
| Annually | Statutory pressure vessel certification; full electrical inspection of the rectifier and cell. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Zadra and AARL elution?
Zadra circulates hot caustic cyanide continuously through the carbon and directly through the electrowinning cell, making it simpler but slower. AARL uses a separate acid wash then a soak-and-displace sequence with clean water, producing a smaller volume of much higher-grade eluate in a shorter cycle. AARL suits higher throughput; Zadra suits simpler, smaller plants.
How long does an elution cycle take?
8–24 hours. Pressure Zadra typically runs 12–24 h, AARL commonly 8–14 h. Cycle time is set by carbon loading, temperature and eluant flow. Running colder to save fuel lengthens the cycle and usually costs more than it saves.
What safety controls does an elution plant need?
Cyanide handling procedures, HCN gas detection with alarms, forced ventilation, emergency eyewash and shower, pressure vessel certification, and controlled access. Elution combines cyanide, caustic, heat and pressure in one place, so it is the highest-hazard area in a typical gold plant.
How is gold recovered from the cathodes?
Steel wool cathodes are acid-digested or directly smelted with fluxes; stainless mesh cathodes are pressure-washed to release a gold sludge which is filtered, dried and smelted. The result is doré bullion, which is then refined further off-site.
Supply and Delivery Across Tanzania
Bart Mining supplies elution & electrowinning plant and related equipment to mining operations throughout Tanzania, with primary coverage of the Lake Victoria Goldfields (Mwanza, Kahama, Geita, Shinyanga and Bukombe), alongside the Lupa Goldfields around Chunya and Mbeya, and delivery nationwide from Dar es Salaam.
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