1. Home
2. Industries
3. Metals & Minerals
4. Autoclave

Autoclave

Severe service valves for HPAL and POx autoclave applications in the mining industry

High pressure acid leaching (HPAL) and pressure oxidation (POx) are two of the most demanding extraction methods in the mining industry and require dependable, time-tested severe service valves and coatings. Whether leaching with acid injection or oxygen, the valves used in these plants must withstand corrosive and abrasive slurries, as well as endure punishing temperatures and pressures.

For several decades, MOGAS has been the leading provider of severe service metal-seated ball valves in autoclave applications such as HPAL and POx. In fact, the majority of all autoclaves worldwide use MOGAS severe service ball valves. Reliable valve operation is crucial, since these plants are often located close to the ore beds—making travel challenging, should service be required. Harsh media and tough operating conditions make a proven, application-specific valve design essential to the economic performance of the operation.

The majority of all autoclaves worldwide use MOGAS valves.

• HPAL (High Pressure Acid Leaching)

  

  Valves for High Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL)

  High Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) was developed to extract mineral from concentrate nickel laterite ores by injecting an acid lixiviant and high pressure steam into slurry feed in an autoclave vessel. The high operating pressures and temperatures, combined with the acidic slurry, create a highly corrosive and erosive environment. These conditions can deteriorate the integrity and sealing abilities of inferior valves used in these applications.

  MOGAS application-specific valve designs, material selections, and proprietary coatings have been proven effective for autoclave processes. Displaying twice the wear resistance and significantly greater fracture toughness than others, our proprietary coatings are verified to be resistant to corrosion in both autoclave vapor and slurry environments.

  

  1. HP Heater Vessel Drain
  2. HP Heater Isolation
  3. Slurry Pump Suction Isolation
  4. Slurry Feed Pump Isolation – Secondary
  5. Slurry Feed Pump Isolation – Primary
  6. Slurry Feed Pump Discharge Drain
  7. Steam Isolation – Secondary
  8. Steam Isolation – Primary
  9. Discharge Isolation – Primary
  10. Discharge Isolation – Secondary
  11. Discharge Line Drain
  12. Vent Isolation – Primary
  13. Vent Isolation – Secondary
  14. High Pressure Choke Water Fill
  15. Heater Pressure Control
  16. Heater Feed Isolation
  17. Steam Supply Control
  18. Flash Vessel Drain
  19. Acid Feed Isolation – Secondary
  20. Acid Feed Isolation – Primary
  21. Acid Line Drain
  22. Slurry Feed Pump Suction Drain
  23. HP Air Isolation – Primary
  24. HP Air Isolation – Secondary
  25. Steam Supply Drain
  26. Vent Isolation Drain

• POx (Pressure Oxidation)

  

  Valves for Pressure Oxidation (POx)

  The Pressure Oxidized (POx) autoclave circuit is a hydrometallurgical process that recovers minerals from sulphide ores by injecting oxygen into slurry in an autoclave vessel. Operating at high pressures and temperatures, the exothermic POx process generates heat and acid. This creates an oxygen rich environment where components require exotic materials, such as super duplex and Ti-niobium, to prevent flash ignition.

  From field analysis, MOGAS has learned that the importance of material selection can also affect the geometry of a valve during thermal expansion—potentially jeopardizing its sealing integrity. Exotic materials, coating types and application methods require extensive knowledge of metallurgical properties and a full understanding of the POx process when oxidizing metals such as gold, copper or uranium.

  Building on years of global experience, MOGAS engineers provide application-specific valve solutions and superior coatings to address safety concerns while maximizing the profitability of the plant.

  

   

  1. Steam Isolation – Secondary
  2. Steam Isolation – Primary
  3. Quench Isolation – Primary
  4. Slurry Feed Pump Isolation – Secondary
  5. Slurry Feed Pump Isolation – Primary
  6. Slurry Feed Pump Drain
  7. Oxygen Isolation – Secondary
  8. Oxygen Isolation – Primary
  9. Discharge Isolation – Primary
  10. Discharge Isolation – Secondary
  11. Discharge Line Drain
  12. Vent Isolation – Primary
  13. Vent Isolation – Secondary
  14. Rapid Depressurization
  15. High Pressure Choke Water Fill
  16. —
  17. Steam Supply Control
  18. Flash Vessel Drain
  19. Sparge Drain Vent
  20. Vent Isolation Drain
  21. Steam Supply Drain
  22. Feed Tank Pump Drain
  23. Feed Tank Flush System
  24. Feed Dilution Drain
  25. Pre-Heater Drain
  26. Slurry Feed Pump Suction Drain
  27. Quench Isolation – Secondary

• Download brochures

  Valves for Autoclave Processes (EN), Engineered Solutions for the Mining & Minerals Industry. Highlights MOGAS' dominance in the valve industry for HPAL and POx applications through 50 years of improving the performance of the C-Series isolation valve and delivering an economical total cost of ownership and a Performance Guarantee.

  Products and Services for Autoclave Industry  MOGAS' technology in design, materials and coatings deliver the most trusted, highest quality products for agitator blades, passing valve detection systems, valves, and components within the harsh environments of autoclaves.