MEASUREMENT AND PROCESS CONTROL TECHNIQUES FOR DEWATERING OF THICK FINE TAILINGS

摘要

Techniques for determining flocculating agent dosage and adjusting process operating parameters for a dewatering operation for thick fine tailings are described. The techniques may include determining dewatering characteristics of a sample of conditioned flocculated tailings including measuring a Net Water Release (NWR) with respect to the thick fine tailings and adjusting at least one operating condition in accordance with the measured NWR. Flocculating agent dosage testing may include determining an approximate dosage of the flocculating agent required to transform a sample of the thick fine tailings into a sample conditioned flocculated tailings having a positive measured NWR in response to shear conditioning beyond a peak static yield stress. Multiple phases and sweeps may be done for the flocculating agent dosage testing to determine optimal dosage for water release.