Highlights

• Researchers from Jiangxi University of Science and Technology created a two-dimensional mechanistic simulation model to study ion-type rare earth ore leaching processes.
• The study found that higher inlet velocity enhances leaching rates, with an optimal range between 0.004 m/s and 0.006 m/s.
• The research provides valuable insights for improving rare earth extraction efficiency and supporting advanced technological applications.

Scientists from Jiangxi University of Science and Technology in Nanchang, China, led by Zeng Chen, E Dianyu, and colleagues, break down Rare earth elements renowned for their exceptional physical and chemical properties. Thanks to their unparalleled performance in optics, electronics, and magnetism, rare earth elements are pivotal in advanced technology fields such as defense, optical fiber communication, and aerospace. However, the efficiency of extracting rare earth elements from ores remains suboptimal, necessitating further research into leaching processes and internal reaction mechanisms.

Enter this China-based study. Experimental limitations make it challenging to fully understand these mechanisms, prompting the development of innovative models.

In a recent study, the Nanchang-based researchers created a two-dimensional mechanistic simulation model based on computational fluid dynamics and the shrinking unreacted core model to study ion-type rare earth ore leaching. The model, validated with experimental data, explored the dynamics of chemical components during leaching and examined the impact of porosity and leaching agent velocity.

The study revealed a decline in the ore's volume fraction from 65% to 58.4% after 600 minutes of leaching. Surprisingly, higher porosity reduced the leaching rate, while increased inlet flow velocity enhanced the rate, albeit with diminishing returns.

The research suggests maintaining an inlet velocity between 0.004 m/s and 0.006 m/s to optimize leaching efficiency while controlling costs. This work provides valuable insights for improving rare earth extraction processes and advancing the sustainable use of these critical materials.