Pachuca tank is a term used in mineral processing, referring to a cylindrical tank used for agitation in the leaching process of minerals. The spelling of Pachuca is pronounced as /pəˈtʃuːkə/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "ch" is pronounced as the "ch" in "church" and is derived from the Spanish pronunciation. The spelling of tank, on the other hand, is pronounced as /tæŋk/. The Pachuca tank is named after the city of Pachuca in Mexico where it was first developed.
The term "Pachuca tank" refers to a specialized type of tank used in the mineral processing industry for the leaching of ores, primarily gold and silver. It is named after the city of Pachuca, Hidalgo in Mexico, where this design was first introduced and extensively used in the early 20th century.
A Pachuca tank is a cylindrical vessel with a cone-shaped bottom and a central draft tube. It is typically made of steel and can vary in size depending on the application. The tank is usually equipped with a system of agitators and air jets to facilitate the mixing and aeration of the ore slurry.
The main purpose of the Pachuca tank is to promote the dissolution of precious metals from the crushed ore by introducing a leaching agent, such as cyanide, into the tank. The agitators ensure a homogeneous mixing of the ore and the leaching solution, while the air jets help to provide oxygen to the slurry, enhancing the leaching process. The cone-shaped bottom of the tank allows for the settlement of solid particles, while the clarified liquid is drawn out through an overflow pipe at the top.
The Pachuca tank design has been widely utilized in the mining industry due to its efficient leaching capabilities and relatively simple construction. It has played a crucial role in the extraction of valuable metals from ores and has significantly contributed to the development of mining processes.
The term "Pachuca tank" is believed to have originated in the 1940s, primarily in the United States. It derives its name from the Mexican city of Pachuca, known for its large silver mining industry. However, the specific etymology of the term "Pachuca tank" is not well-documented or widely agreed upon.
One explanation is that during World War II, the city of Pachuca was associated with Mexican-American zoot suit culture, characterized by flamboyant clothing styles and a distinct subculture. Pachuca tank refers to a type of zoot suit worn by young Mexican-American women, also known as "Pachucas", during this time. It was a high-waisted, wide-legged suit with a long coat. The "tank" in Pachuca tank refers to the long coat or jacket worn as part of the ensemble.