Determination of the kinetic parameters of leaching from experimental data using the non-porous shrinking particle model: Effect of error propagation

All alternatives of the non-porous shrinking particle model (NSPM) referred to in the literature were reviewed and critically compared – they differ especially in their ability to reflect the role of three crucial model parameters: the order of reaction, liquid/solid ratio and activity coefficient of the leaching reagent. A procedure to calculate an experimental error related to the methodology of laboratory leaching tests (including the effect of different ore-particle size) has been proposed. Error propagation in the process of determination of the apparent order of reaction and activation energy from experimental data was analysed in detail, to estimate the systematic error of the simulation model developed. The simulation models tested were validated using the experimental data for the reaction system MgO-HCl-H2O. Based on the results obtained, some recommendations for an effective practical use of the NSPM have been suggested. •Methodology of kinetic leaching tests was analysed in detail.•Reaction mechanism for the system MgO-HCl-H2O has been proposed.•Experimental error for the system MgO-HCl-H2O was estimated.•Error propagation in determining the kinetic parameters of leaching was analysed.•Practical recommendations for the non-porous shrinking particle model were proposed based on the performed simulations.