Electrokinetic Process And Apparatus For Consolidation Of Oil Sands Tailings

摘要

A method is provided of treating liquid tailings using electro-kinetics by creating a variable voltage between two electrodes in the tailings. Flocculation and water release from the tailings is induced by establishing an electrical field between the two electrodes. The electrodes are connected to an electrical power source having the variable voltage to create a cathode and an anode. Compacting the flocculation solids and removing further water released from the compacting solids allows for the creation of a compacted material having a desired load bearing capacity.

主权项

1. A method of treating liquid tailings using electro-kinetics, the method comprising the steps of:
a. Causing at least two electrodes to come into contact with the liquid tailings; b. Inducing flocculation of particles in the tailings and releasing water from the tailings by establishing an electrical field between said at least two electrodes, the electrodes being connected to a source of electrical power having a variable voltage to create at least one cathode and at least one anode; and c. Compacting said flocculation solids and removing further water released from said compacting solids to create a compacted material having a minimum desired load bearing capacity.