Application of in-line polymer addition for tailings disposal-learning and challenges part II

Abstract

The use of polyacrylamide-based high-molecular-weight polymer addition at the tailings storage facility (TSF) discharge locations has gained considerable interest in recent years. The intended result of implementing this technique is to have tailings slurry release clear water and create a steepened beach, compared to a conventional tailings slurry disposal method. This paper will focus on a study of a typical iron ore project which required improved water recovery. It has been suggested in previous studies that uneven shear on the polymer dosed tailings deposition on the tailings beach may be problematic. In this testing program, tailings and polymer mixture were tested for water release behaviour under partially sheared and fully sheared conditions. It is concluded that varying the shear regime affects the initial water recovery, up to around two hours after mixing and shearing. At the end of the test, the shear regime had less effect on the overall water recovery. A trade-off comparison between conventional slurry surface disposal and in-line polymer addition disposal is also presented in the paper. The trade-off study demonstrates that the in-line polymer addition technology could provide financial water-saving benefit.

Dewatering polymer application in an iron ore tailings dam

“…This will result a rapid separation of water from the tailings solids immediately downstream of the plunge pool that typically exists at the tailings discharge location. The method of applying polymers to treat tailings is known as in-line flocculation or in-line polymer addition (Wells and Riley, 2007., Bembrick, 2008., Wells et al 2011., Mizani, 2013., Guang et. al, 2014., Riley and Utting, 2014., Guang and Longo, 2017., Costine et al, 2018.…”

“…The method of applying polymers to treat tailings is known as in-line flocculation or in-line polymer addition (Wells and Riley, 2007., Bembrick, 2008., Wells et al 2011., Mizani, 2013., Guang et. al, 2014., Riley and Utting, 2014., Guang and Longo, 2017., Costine et al, 2018.…”

Application of in-line polymer addition for tailings disposal-learning and challenges part II

“…In Guang et al (2014) the initial polymer selection testwork was presented. Since then, this mine site began using in-line polymer addition at their TSF.…”

Evaluation of the rheology of pipehead flocculated tailings

“…They (ibid) have also reported that significant recovery of structure can occur as material flows away from the deposition point. Guang et al (2014) conducted several testing programmes for the application in-line polymer addition for tailings disposal and reported that polymer selection is both site-specific and operation-specific. They also reported yield stress reduction as the tailings flowed across the tailings beach.…”