Dewatering of tailings for mine backfill with the Boozer disc filter

Abstract

The Boozer disc filter represents the new generation of disc filters, which defines the latest standard in the alumina industry and in the dewatering of coal slurries. This new type of disc filter moves into applications of paste dewatering. In a modernisation and upgrading project of a gold and copper mine, this disc filter type is the chosen technology for dewatering of the gold/copper tailings to make them available for mine backfill. For this application, two disc filters with four discs and 176 m² filter area each are operated. A typical performance rate for this application has these filters producing 500 kg/m²h of solids throughput, with a moisture content of 20 wt%. As a special highlight, both filters are equipped with a double dewatering zone, which can be activated or deactivated online. Thus, these filters provide for reliable operation with constant throughput, constant moisture content, and complete discharge of the filter cake, even with significant fluctuation of the feed flow properties. For this paper, the author aims to show this filter is an innovative design, providing high innovative filter design provides for high throughput and dewatering performance, excellent operational reliability over a broad range of feed conditions, ease of maintenance, and high profitability. Compared to filter presses, belt filters, or 1970s vintage disc filters, this modern disc filter type is the most economical dewatering technology, due to its high capacity, simple design, and small footprint.