Arbuthnot, IM & Triglavcanin, R.A 2005, 'Designing for Paste Thickening Testwork and Sizing for Paste Thickeners', in R Jewell & S Barrera (eds), Paste 2005: Proceedings of the International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 99-116, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/563_6
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/563_6_Arbuthnot/)
Abstract: In the mineral processing industries, there is an increasing need to design thick-
eners which are able to produce high density underflows usually referred to as
“paste”.
The behaviour of a flocculated suspension in compression needs to be well
understood in order to arrive at a reliable thickener tank configuration (i.e. diam-
eter, cone angle and depth) for a required paste result.
As a suspension approaches paste consistency, its fluid characteristics change
markedly. It develops a high yield stress, and may have an increased tendency to
form agglomerates, which in thickener tanks leads to a phenomenon known as
“rotating beds”, “donuts”, or “islands”. These characteristics present challenges
to the designer of the rake mechanism.
The subject paper addresses the requirements for designing a paste thickener,
covering the following topics:
• Testwork for thickener sizing.
• Design of rake mechanisms.
• Suspension rheology and effect on design.
100 Paste 2005, Santiago, Chile
Designing for Paste Thickening...  Arbuthnot, I.M. and Triglavcanin, R.A.