Feed dilution-based design of a thickener for refuse slurry of a coal preparation plant

Banisi, S. and Yahyaei, M. (2008) Feed dilution-based design of a thickener for refuse slurry of a coal preparation plant. International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization, 28 4: 201-223.


Author Banisi, S.
Yahyaei, M.
Title Feed dilution-based design of a thickener for refuse slurry of a coal preparation plant
Journal name International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank B)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2008
Sub-type Article
DOI 10.1080/19392690802391189
Volume number 28
Issue number 4
ISSN 1939-2699
1545-5831
Start page 201
End page 223
Total pages 23
Place of publication Philadelphia, PA, United States
Publisher Taylor & Francis
Language eng
Abstract Thickening is the most widely applied dewatering technique in mineral processing. Thickeners are used to increase the concentration of suspensions by sedimentation, accompanied by the release of a clear liquid. As the particles get finer the thickening process encounters difficulty due to a significant change in the particles settling behavior. The batch settling tests of coal refuse of a coal washing plant that contained 91% particles smaller than 38 µm and 0.6% coarser than 75 µm showed that the optimum feed percent solids that provided highest flux (solids handling capacity) was 4%. The flux of the pulp with the plant solids concentration (i.e., 10% by weight) was 60% lower than that of the pulp with 4% solids. A thickener with a diameter of 22 m based on the dilution of feed from solids concentration of 10% to 4% was designed. Monitoring of the thickener performance for a period of one month in the plant indicated that an average feed rate of 25t/h (dry solids) with solids concentration of 10% could be thickened to an underflow concentration of 26.5% with a clear water overflow. It was found that the key component of the successful operation of the thickener is the dilution of the feed, without dilution the overflow loses its clarity and the system ceases to operate under predetermined conditions. Based on the results of established CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) studies, a feeding system that efficiently dissipated the energy of the incoming flow and a staged flocculant addition regime were utilized in the design and operation of the thickener.
Keyword Coal
Dilution
Flocculation
Refuse
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Provisional Code
Institutional Status Non-UQ

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre Publications
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Created: Tue, 25 Oct 2011, 15:07:58 EST by Karen Holtham on behalf of Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre