Influence of the model used for the calculation of equilibrium constants at moderate temperature for electrolytes

Abstract

The formation of a solid mineral deposit can cause major problems in the conduct of industrial processes such as high pressure acid leaching. Knowledge of the chemical speciation and solubility product of the mineral can help control or inhibit its formation. This speciation is based on knowledge of the thermodynamic equilibrium constants of the dissociation/complexation reactions involved in the system and their temperature dependence. It also depends on the concentration of the different species in the system, the pressure and the activity coefficients of the chemical species present in their molecular or electrolytic form. From these thermodynamic quantities and the state of the system, it is possible to predict the direction of evolution of the reaction, i.e. whether the reactants or the products of the chemical reactions are favoured. This work presents and compares different models for the calculation of activity coefficients for ionic strengths between 0.001 – 6 molal and the calculation of thermodynamic equilibrium constants at temperatures up to 300°C (at zero ionic strength). It confirms the need for reliable thermodynamic data for modeling aqueous systems.

Keywords

• thermodynamique
• hydrométallurgie haute température
• constante d’équilibre
• spéciation