Coagulation sedimentation performance and model optimization of ultra-fine tailings overflow from hydrocyclone

Abstract

In order to study the sedimentation characteristics of ultra-fine tailings overflow from hydrocyclone in a coagulation environment, the sedimentation velocity of overflow ultra-fine tailings under different coagulant dosage, pulp pH and temperature conditions were analyzed experimentally in this study. The results indicate that with the increase in sedimentation time, the sedimentation velocity of the coagulant first increases, followed by a decline before becoming flat. When the ferric chloride coagulant dosage is 90 mg/L, the pH of the pulp is 9. The sedimentation velocity reaches the maximum value of 5.57 mm/s, when the temperature of the pulp is 60 °C. According to the sedimentation process of the coagula, the coagulation sedimentation model of total tailings was extended and modified. The average absolute error between the corrected settlement velocity and the actual velocity was found as 0.0034, with the root mean square error is as 0.0088, which is relatively small. The results obtained from the theoretical calculations are consistent with the experimental data. The modified and optimized coagulation sedimentation model is important in promoting the theoretical research on the coagulation and sedimentation of such ultra-fine mineral particles.