Gold Adsorption
Carbon must efficiently recover gold from solution and retain it until desorption.
Coconut Shell Activated Carbon for Gold Recovery in CIL/CIP
Coconut shell activated carbon for gold adsorption from solutions and pulp. Selected for the plant flowsheet, operating parameters and mechanical strength requirements.
CIL / CIP
Coconut shell
Plant-specific selection
Why the Right Activated Carbon Matters
Mechanical Strength
Low strength leads to attrition, carbon losses and contamination of the circuit.
Particle Size
Granule size affects hydraulics, contact with solution and screen performance.
Ash and Impurities
High ash content and unstable parameters can reduce the stability of the sorption cycle.
Where Activated Carbon Is Used
CIL
Gold adsorption directly in the pulp.
CIP
Adsorption after leaching in separate sorption vessels.
Sorption Columns
Operation with solutions after heap or tank leaching.
Desorption and Regeneration
Carbon must retain its structure after operating cycles.
Which Parameters Should Be Checked
| Parameter | Why It Matters | What to Clarify |
|---|---|---|
| Particle size | Affects hydraulics, screen retention and contact with solution | 6×12, 5×10, 4×8 mesh |
| Iodine number | Indirectly indicates the development of the pore structure | Typically 1000–1100 mg/g for gold recovery applications |
| Mechanical strength | Determines resistance to attrition | High mechanical strength is critical for CIL/CIP |
| Ash content | High ash content can reduce quality stability | The lower the ash content, the better for stable operation |
| Moisture | Affects the actual mass of active product | Clarify during supply and storage |
| Bulk density | Important for calculating loading volume | Consider when designing columns and vessels |
Carbon selection depends on the process flowsheet, solution flow rate,
gold content in solution, desorption parameters and recovery requirements.
Production and Quality Stability
Stable Sorption
Efficient gold recovery from solutions in CIL and CIP circuits depends on the actual loading capacity of the carbon.
Mechanical Strength
Strength affects carbon losses during transportation, agitation and regeneration.
Selected for the Plant
The same carbon can perform differently under different circulation and desorption conditions.
What Is Needed to Select Activated Carbon
Process Flowsheet
CIL, CIP, sorption columns or heap leaching.
Throughput
Pulp or solution volume, flow rate and contact time.
Particle Size
Required granule size and compatibility with screens.
Target
Maximum adsorption, lower attrition or stable operating cycle.
Desorption Conditions
Temperature, reagents and number of cycles.
Process Issue
Carbon losses, attrition, poor adsorption or contamination.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Activated Carbon
- choosing only by price per tonne;
- ignoring strength and attrition;
- not checking particle size against the equipment;
- comparing only iodine number without the other parameters;
- not considering regeneration and service life.
Low-cost carbon can become more expensive if it attrits quickly,
is carried out with the pulp or holds gold poorly.
Where the Savings Come From
Lower Carbon Losses
High strength reduces attrition and carbon carryover from the circuit.
Stable Adsorption
High-quality carbon helps retain gold in the circuit.
Longer Service Life
Carbon should withstand several operating cycles.
Fewer Interruptions
Stable particle size and strength make operation easier.
Application in the Process
Activated carbon is used to recover dissolved gold from pulp or solutions, after which it goes through desorption and regeneration for reuse.
- Operation in CIL / CIP circuits
- Desorption and return to the process
- Focus on stable sorption capacity
- Selection for the plant technology
Carbon selection depends not only on the specification sheet,
but also on the actual plant operating conditions: circulation, agitation intensity,
solids content and regeneration requirements.
How SAAP-MG Selects Carbon
Flowsheet Analysis
We define where the carbon is used: CIL, CIP, columns or solutions.
Particle Size Selection
We check the equipment, screens, hydraulics and operating mode.
Parameter Comparison
We assess iodine number, strength, ash content, moisture and density.
Commercial Proposal
We prepare the supply proposal based on volume, delivery time and plant requirements.
Activated Carbon Selection for Your Process Scheme
The operating efficiency of carbon depends on the specific sorption scheme, solution parameters, circulation mode and regeneration conditions. Therefore, carbon must be selected for actual production conditions.
- Selection for CIL / CIP
- Assessment of key carbon parameters
- Consideration of operating and regeneration conditions
- Preparation of a technical and commercial proposal
What to Include in the Request
- Process type: CIL or CIP
- Throughput
- Current carbon specifications
- Issues with sorption or carbon losses
- Service life requirements for carbon
Frequently Asked Questions
Why not choose carbon only by iodine number?
Iodine number is important, but for CIL/CIP, strength, particle size, ash content and batch stability are also critical.
Why is strength important?
Low-strength carbon attrits, creates fines and may be lost from the circuit.
Which particle size is needed?
It depends on the process and equipment. 6×12, 5×10 or 4×8 mesh are commonly used, but selection should be plant-specific.
Can the current carbon be replaced without testing?
It is better to compare parameters and, if necessary, run a trial batch to assess adsorption and attrition.
We Will Select Activated Carbon for Your Plant
Send your process flowsheet, required particle size and current issue. We will prepare a proposal for carbon and supply.
We respond within 1 business day.