PASTE & TAILINGS 2021 polymers aggregate mineral particles in a desired size thus preventing the trapping of water inside these structures . Surfactants must be used in combination with polymers to improve filtration capabilities . surfactants is essential to improving filtration performance , especially in scenarios involving filtration of ultrafine mineral particles .
Clariant ’ s expertise and technologies have
Application of filter aids
Clariant ’ s application and development teams have been partnering with customers to develop and test several filter aids from Clariant ’ s FLOTICOR FA series to enable enhanced tailings filtration . A recent project for an iron ore company was carried out using a sample composed of 80 % coarse tailings and 20 % ultrafine tailings , in a slurry of 57 % solids content . The two primary goals of the project were to enable dry stacking by reducing cake moisture and to eliminate the previous bottleneck in production by increasing the filtration production rate .
Lab scale filtration trials were performed by leaf test top feed methodology . This method is a simulation of a rotary vertical vacuum filter . The results of this simulation showed that a specific tailormade polymer formulation improved the filtration performance : the cake moisture was reduced by 28 % and a higher cake thickness was achieved , thus optimising production by improving the filtration rates .
To best address the mining industry ’ s challenges with tailings filtration , a deeper understanding of the chemical technology of filtration aids is critical . Based on the findings of the aforementioned project and the findings of other case trials , it has been shown that the development of customised polymers and
demonstrated success in overcoming the challenges the mining industry is facing in developing safer and more sustainable alternatives for tailings disposal .
IM
* Clariant SA , Brazil : Process Mining Engineer , Nathalia Costa ; A & D Regional Manager , Leandro Bicalho ; Global Application Expert in Iron Ore , Pierre Fernandes , Global Head of Technology , Wagner Silva . Vale SA , Brazil : Process Engineers , Rodolfo Moreira & Vinicius Seering
Mining Solutions
YOUR PARTNER FOR SUSTAINABLE TAILINGS MANAGEMENT
At Clariant Mining Solutions , we are dedicated to providing value to mining operations through sustainability . Our filter aids can help you achieve drier tailings and increase the throughput of your filtration equipment . If you are considering reprocessing tailings , we can customize flotation chemicals to help you recover valued minerals that are currently being disposed of . Our technical experts are ready to work with you to optimize tailings management and help reach your operation ’ s sustainability targets .
CLARIANT . COM / MINING performance and value delivered .