Equilibrium model for the sorption of gold cyanide and copper cyanide on trimethylamine ion exchange resin in saline solutions

Abstract

The majority of models proposed previously for the prediction of ion exchange sorption equilibria are suitable for well-defined and ideal systems. These models commonly use the isotherm equations proposed by Langmuir, Freundlich or Fritz and Schluender. However, these equations have very little theoretical justification and the behaviour of these models in non-ideal systems, such as those commonly encountered in the hydrometallurgical industry, is uncertain. The present study formulates a mathematical model based on the principles of statistical thermodynamics as well as the use of the Metropolis Monte Carlo (MMC) numerical method. The model is able to successfully describe the multi-compone..