Inter-particle fluid flow visualisation of larger packed beds pertaining to heap leaching using X-ray computed tomography imaging

摘要: Abstract X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is a non-destructive 3-D imaging technique that permits visualisation of the internal structure within sample, avoiding stereological error found in conventional two-dimensional (2-D) image analysis. Its small-scale variant, present manuscript, referred to as micro-computed (XMT) but more commonly µCT, has been widely studied for characterisation mineral particle beds, with common focus recent years being heap leaching applications. Several technical and computational factors have however limited size configurations samples this methodology thus CT flow path studies on packed beds larger than few centimetres are uncommon literature. The also rarely used fluid identification, other non-invasive alternatives preferred. To remediate, authors large medical XCT scanner 266 * 200 * 100 mm3 rectangular bed configuration filled non-porous 8 mm glass beads porous 16–20 mm rock particles. was its part imaged through addition Gastrografin®, contrast agent. Using Thermo Fisher Scientific's Avizo software, images liquid flows, well pore networks were constructed their parameters computed. Validation experiments carried ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence using sodium fluorescein dye addition. By comparing results sphericity equivalent diameter known values UV results, conclude adequate accuracy further developments towards comprehensive analyses unsaturated behaviour.