Effects of reactor type and mass transfer on the morphology of CuS and ZnS crystals

For the precipitation of CuS and ZnS, the effects of the reactor/precipitator type, mass transfer and process conditions on crystal morphology were studied. Either H₂S gas or a S^2– solution were applied. Three different types of reactors have been tested, namely a laminar jet, a bubble column and an MSMPR reactor. The choice of reactor type as well as mass transfer and metal concentration all have a considerable influence on the morphology of the produced crystals. A well mixed bubble column with H₂S containing gas as feed yields the coarsest crystals. Use is then made of the surface active properties of CuS‐particles, which induce agglomeration at the gas‐liquid interface, where as the low metal concentrations inside the reactor also contribute to the formation of coarser particles (especially for ZnS). (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)