Optimization and Modeling of Leaching Parameters Affecting Nickel Dissolution from Lateritic Ore in Eskisehir (Mihaliccik-Yunusemre) Using Box-Behnken Experimental Design

Abstract

In this study, optimization and modeling of leaching parameters affecting nickel dissolution from lateritic ore in EskiA…Ÿehir (MihalA„±ccA„±k-Yunusemre) were investigated using Box-Behnken design. Stirring speed (100-400 rpm, temperature (40-80°C), acid concentration (0.1-2 M) and dissolution time (30-180 min) were selected as experimental design parameters. 27 experiments were carried out by Box-Behnken experimental design in Minitab 16.0 program. After leaching experiments, the highest Ni dissolution percentages were obtained as 87.85%. The effective parameters and their interactions in nickel dissolution are described with a mathematical model. The results obtained from the experiments were subjected to ANOVA and multiple regression analysis. The R2 value of the model for nickel dissolution was calculated as 0.980. This showed that the predicted values are in good agreement with the observed values. In addition, three-dimensional response surface and contour graphs of the parameters affecting nickel dissolution efficiency were created and the results were examined.