Estimation model for yield stress of fresh uncemented thickened tailings: Coupled effects of true solid density, bulk density, and solid concentration

Abstract

Yield stress is an important issue in the dewatering process of mineral waste tailings. However, very few studies focus on yield stress affected by the tailing properties of true solid density (T) and bulk density (B), which are the two most common properties used to evaluate a tailing. In the present study, an estimation model for yield stress of fresh uncemented thickened tailings (UTT) is proposed and verified based on rheological experimental results. As the model relates to the true solid density, bulk density, and solid concentration (C) of tailings, it is referred to as the TBC model. The change trend of yield stress with the variation of TBC properties is expressed by the first derivative of the TBC model. Results show that yield stress increases with true solid density and solid concentration, whereas the variation is reversed for bulk density. This study enhances our understanding of yield stress and helps predict the yield stress of thickened tailings according to their TBC properties.