CIP (carbon-in-pulp), CIC (carbon-in-column) and CIL (carbon-in-leach) are three of the most popular methods for gold recovery. These gold recovery methods require activated carbon with specific performance characteristics. Selecting the wrong material can significantly reduce adsorption efficiency, slow down recovery, contaminate circuits and increase operational costs. This is a guide to help you choose the right activated carbon to improve the good extraction process.
Choosing the Best Activated Carbon for Gold Recovery
When it comes to selecting the best activated carbon for gold recovery operations, one must look for specific characteristics, including:
➤ High hardness
➤ Optimized pore structure
➤ High adsorption capacity
➤ Large internal surface area
➤ Consistent purity
➤ Excellent attrition resistance
At Western Adsorbents & Catalysts, as a top activated carbon manufacturer in India, we recommend coconut-shell based activated carbon as the industry standard for its superior hardness and microporosity.
Why Activated Carbon Quality Matters in Gold Recovery?
In the gold recovery process, activated carbon is often exposed to:
➤ Chemical wear
➤ Abrasion with ore particles
➤ Continous mixing
➤ Hydraulic transport
High-quality activated carbon from W.A.C. maintains adsorption strength even over multiple process cycles.
Also Check: Coconut Shell Activated Carbon Leading Eco-friendly Purification
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Activated Carbon
#1 High Hardness & Attrition Resistance
It is crucial to understand that gold recovery circuits are highly abrasive. High-hardness activated carbon maintains carbon inventory and enhances gold recovery consistency. This is why choose an activated carbon with:
➤ Hardness >98%
➤ Low attrition loss < 3%
#2 Pore Structure for Gold Adsorption
For efficient gold recovery, the right pore distribution is required. Look for:
➤ Mesopores + micropores= high adsorption
#3 High Iodine Number (Adsorption Capacity)
The adsorption capacity of activated carbon can hold large amounts of gold before it reaches saturation. A high iodine number usually indicates better porosity and adsorption.
➤ Ideal Range: 1000 to 1200 mg/g for gold recovery
#4 Particle Size Distribution
A uniform particle size implies better performance in the CIP/CIL system, in terms of
➤ Better mixing
➤ Faster adsorption kinetics
➤ Reduced carbon losses
Recommended particle size: 6 x 12 mesh or 8 x 16 mesh
#5 Low Ash & Impurities
Ash particles and residue can block pores and reduce adsorption performance. High-quality activated carbon ensures:
➤ Better adsorption
➤ Cleaner regeneration cycle
Recommended ash content: < 3%
Which Activated Carbon is the Best for Gold Recovery?
Coconut shell activated carbon is the industry standard for gold recovery. Most gold recovery plants prefer coconut-based carbon for CIP/CIL/CIC operations. These grades yield:
➤ Higher gold loading
➤ Less carbon loss
➤ Reduced contamination
➤ Longer operational life
Wrapping Up
Selecting the right activated carbon directly impacts the speed, efficiency, and profitability of gold recovery. Western Adsorbents & Catalysts, as a coconut shell activated carbon manufacturer in India, we provide premium-grade coconut shell activated carbon for gold recovery operations. Whether you're looking to improve gold loading efficiency, reduce fines, or extend carbon lifespan, Western Adsorbents & Catalysts delivers carbon tailored for gold extraction success.
FAQs
➤ What mesh size is best for gold recovery?
- 6×12 mesh is commonly preferred for gold recovery as it balances strength and adsorption rate.
➤ Does a higher iodine number always mean better activated carbon?
- Not always. The right pore structure is more important than the iodine number alone.