XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3 737
typically have a significant filtration time, without compro-
mising cake quality.
Methodology
A weight-homogenized tailings sample was blended with
TNS ™ and then transferred directly to the feeder tank to
begin the filtration test. The tests were conducted using a
benchtop pilot rig that simulated the formation of a single
cake with a filtration surface area of 0.0077 m2 per side.
Working pressures (feeding, squeezing, blowing, etc.) were
regulated using compressed air controlled using a pneu-
matic panel.
Filtration results
Figure 6 demonstrates that the filtration time for gold tail-
ing sample #1 was reduced from 5 minutes to 1.5 minutes
with the addition of novel chemistry. More importantly,
Figure 5. Sample from Producer #1—vane shear rheological characterization (fully sheared)
Table 3. Tailings evaluated with TNS technology
Tailings Sample Unit Sample #1 (90um) Sample 2 (90 um)
Slurry Density kg/m3 1.286 1.270
Process Water Density kg/m3 1.0 1.0
Solids Concentration (suspended) %w/w 35.9 38.3
g/ dm3 Slurry 462 483
Figure 6. Gold Sample #1—Impact of TNS™ on filtration
time
typically have a significant filtration time, without compro-
mising cake quality.
Methodology
A weight-homogenized tailings sample was blended with
TNS ™ and then transferred directly to the feeder tank to
begin the filtration test. The tests were conducted using a
benchtop pilot rig that simulated the formation of a single
cake with a filtration surface area of 0.0077 m2 per side.
Working pressures (feeding, squeezing, blowing, etc.) were
regulated using compressed air controlled using a pneu-
matic panel.
Filtration results
Figure 6 demonstrates that the filtration time for gold tail-
ing sample #1 was reduced from 5 minutes to 1.5 minutes
with the addition of novel chemistry. More importantly,
Figure 5. Sample from Producer #1—vane shear rheological characterization (fully sheared)
Table 3. Tailings evaluated with TNS technology
Tailings Sample Unit Sample #1 (90um) Sample 2 (90 um)
Slurry Density kg/m3 1.286 1.270
Process Water Density kg/m3 1.0 1.0
Solids Concentration (suspended) %w/w 35.9 38.3
g/ dm3 Slurry 462 483
Figure 6. Gold Sample #1—Impact of TNS™ on filtration
time