Optimization of alumina leaching from microcline using particle swarm optimization and response surface methodology

Alumina has found wide application in technological and engineering fields. However, due to the environmental effects of the traditional Bayer process of production, there is a need for a more eco-friendly and cost-effective procedure. The optimization of alumina extraction from microcline in nitric acid (HNO3) solution is considered in this work. The optimization exercise was performed with the optimization tools of response surface methodology (RSM) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The optimum conditions predicted by RSM include 82.11 oC reaction temperature, 3.53 M HNO3 concentration, 0.023 g/mL solid/liquid (S/L) ratio, 356.14 rpm stirring speed, and 99.92 min reaction time. At these conditions, about 83.21% alumina leaching rate was predicted. PSO however predicted optimum conditions of 90oC, 4 M, 0.021 g/mL, 420 rpm, and 118 min, respectively, for the parameters above. Hence, the two techniques were viable tools for the optimization exercise.