IDENTIFYING POSSIBLE CAUSES OF PROBLEMS IN THE DEWATERING OF FLOTATION PRODUCTS
Problem Statement (Relevance): The relevance of the problem under consideration is due to the fact that if a concentration plant uses a water recirculation system and if the dehydration processes lack efficiency, the circulating water gets saturated with slurries of less than 5 microns. The negative effect of slurries is reflected in the product filtration indicators. Thus, the filter throughput drops and the final products become more moist. Objectives: The objective of this research is to identify the cause of the decreased performance of the filtering equipment and to come up with good solutions for the problem. Methods Applied: Size distribution analysis of the concentration products using Fritsch’s Analysette 22 laser diffraction analyzer; mineralogical analysis of the filtered products, selection of the flocculant for efficient thickening and filtration of flotation concentrates; microscopic analysis of internal pores of ceramic filtering plates. Originality: This research provides a comprehensive approach to solving the problem of filtering fine slurries and identifying factors that may impact the process performance. Findings: The authors found what caused the plugging of pores in the filters and how to increase the throughput and reach the design moisture content parameters in the final product. Practical Relevance: The results of this research can be useful for mining companies relying on dewatering processes for concentrates and flotation tailings so that they can be stored as dry products.