Question

Bayer’s process is carried out in an autoclave – True or False?

• A. True
• B. False

Answer 1

The correct option is A

True

An autoclave is a chamber which could be subjected to elevated temperatures and pressures different from surround air pressure. Bayer’s process is carried out in an autoclave.

As you may be able to recall, leaching or hydrometallurgy does not involve high temperatures. One significant drawback is that the reactions rates could be very slow. With the use of an autoclave, aqueous chemistry could be carried out at temperatures exceeding the normal boiling point of water by utilizing high pressures. This significantly improves the reaction rates of the steps involved in leaching.