Oxygen is a key component within the leaching process, relating to the recovery of metals and is typically the limiting factor for reaction. The health of the bacteria used to help break down and recover minerals depends on ample oxygen levels and temperatures inside of the ore heap. Oxygen sensors can be deployed within an ore heap to monitor both oxygen content and temperature in order to better understand the composition. Using Canary System’s MLSuite®, the sensor data can be collected, managed, and displayed for further analysis, providing a fully automated solution for obtaining oxygen measurements during this process.   

The PreSens OXYBase WR series probes utilized by Canary Systems in heap leach monitoring solutions are capable of monitoring both gaseous and dissolved oxygen content. These probes use a combined optical sensor type PSt3 and electro-optical module within a 12mm diameter stainless steel tube. The submersible probes have a measurement range of 0-100% O2 and a detection limit of 0.03% O2. RS-232 and RS-485 communication options are available for the sensor, depending on the cable length requirements for the application. Armored cable, including stainless steel tubing, can be connected to the sensors in applications where cables will be buried within the ore heap to ensure longevity.   

The OXYBase WR sensors are used in conjunction with the MLRemote® wireless datalogging system for automated data collection and seamless integration. Data from the logger and sensor are collected through either MultiLogger® or MLWebHardware. The information is readily available for viewing on the integrated browser-based data visualization platform MLWeb®. Charts, graphs, and reports can all be configured directly in MLWeb to analyze oxygen and temperature data as an indication of the overall effectiveness of the leaching process.  

Features:   

• Capable of measuring gaseous oxygen, dissolved oxygen, and temperature  
• Sensors are waterproof and submersible 
• No cross-sensitivity to pH 1-14, CO2, H2S, SO2, or ionic species  
• 316 stainless steel sensor construction with armored cable option for heap leach survivability  
• Easy integration with a Canary Systems automated data acquisition system for datalogging, power, and telemetry