We have constructed some interactive flow diagrams that are set up to illustrate treatment of a nominal 1000 m3/unit time flow of tailings with a polymer/salt solution (PSS). The calculated results are displayed on a schematic flow chart. Also displayed are estimated materials and water recovery costs (RO). There are presently two illustrations. The first is mature fine tailings, which we think need ballasting with sand or other coarse particles if high solids content material is to be obtained (see link on “Tailings” page). The second illustration considers coarser particles such as this found in tailings from copper mine operations. The tailings flow rates can be altered so as to model treating thickener underflow, thickener feed, etc.
Key processing variables are highlighted in light green at the top-left of the Worksheet. These can be adjusted using the drop-down menus attached to the cells. These show up when your cursor is on the cell. Other variables are also listed and can also be adjusted using drop-down menus or by manual insertion of values. Aqueous phase conductivity values that can be used in salt concentration monitoring and process control are calculated from a second order polynomial that was obtained from a fit to experimental data for a mixture of salts that match the tailings water composition for which we have data. We have other correlations for other PSS salt compositions.
The flow rates illustrated on the flow charts are in metric tons/unit time, close to cubic meters/unit time for the process water at most of the salt concentrations considered here. The aqueous phase numbers are in blue, the solids flow numbers are in red. The calculations are Excel based and can be readily adapted to various treatment scenarios. If the size of the worksheet does not fit your screen it can be adjusted from 100% to whatever suits your needs using the icon in the bottom right-hand corner.
NOTE: PWDS = process water dissolved solids (largely salts in the untreated tailings). BP/TS = ratio of ballasting particles/tailings solids (wt./wt.)