Characterization of evolution of reactive transport parameters during leaching process of sandstone uranium ore by combining porosity and lacunarity

Haiying Fu; Shuai Wang; Deming Tan; Guicheng He; Meng Lian; Zhonghua Zhu; Dexin Ding

Nuclear Engineering and Technology (Jan 2025)

Characterization of evolution of reactive transport parameters during leaching process of sandstone uranium ore by combining porosity and lacunarity

Haiying Fu,
Shuai Wang,
Deming Tan,
Guicheng He,
Meng Lian,
Zhonghua Zhu,
Dexin Ding

Affiliations

Haiying Fu: Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China; School of Resource Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
Shuai Wang: School of Resource Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
Deming Tan: School of Economics, Management and Law, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
Guicheng He: School of Resource Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
Meng Lian: School of Resource Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
Zhonghua Zhu: School of Resource Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China
Dexin Ding: Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China; School of Resource Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China; Corresponding author. Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 57, no. 1
p. 103126

Abstract

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During the in-situ leaching process of sandstone uranium ore deposits, the dynamic evolution of reactive transport parameters, including permeability, tortuosity, and specific surface area (SSA), plays a crucial role in solution flow and solute transport. Characterizing the evolution of these parameters is essential for understanding the leaching process. However, the heterogeneous pore structure of sandstone renders porosity alone insufficient to capture changes in these parameters. This study combines porosity and lacunarity to comprehensively characterize these parameters. For this purpose, leaching experiments were conducted on sandstone uranium ore samples, and CT imaging was performed at different leaching time points. The evolution of reactive transport parameters was analyzed by studying cubic subsamples from the images. The results indicate that both porosity and lacunarity are significant factors influencing the reactive transport parameters. However, neither parameter alone adequately characterizes their evolution. In contrast, combining them accurately characterizes the evolution of reactive transport parameters. Porosity reflects pore quantity, while lacunarity represents pore heterogeneity. Combining these measures facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of reactive transport parameters and the influence of pore microstructure on macroscopic reactive transport parameters. This research provides valuable insights for optimizing the leaching process in sandstone uranium ore deposits.

Published in Nuclear Engineering and Technology

ISSN: 1738-5733 (Print)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Korea, Republic of
LCC subjects: Technology: Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering: Nuclear engineering. Atomic power
Website: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/nuclear-engineering-and-technology

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