‘Out of pipe’ dewatering of thickened tailings during deposition
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Authors: Mizani, S; Simms, P; He, L Paper is not available for download Contact Us |
DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1063_34_Mizani
Cite As:
Mizani, S, Simms, P & He, L 2010, '‘Out of pipe’ dewatering of thickened tailings during deposition', in R Jewell & AB Fourie (eds), Paste 2010: Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 393-402, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1063_34_Mizani
Abstract:
One of the challenges and opportunities in managing the deposition of surface deposited thickened tailings is the potential for a change in the rheological properties after they exit the pipe during deposition. As tailings flow away from the deposition point, for a slow enough flow, there may be sufficient time for water loss due to “bleeding” and possibly capillary action by underlying desiccated tailings. This was studied using single and multilayer tests in a flume, in which tailings were deposited at a variety of flow rates. Changes in the rheological properties were evaluated by fitting the lubrication theory equations (Henriquez and Simms 2009; Liu and Mei, 1989) to equilibrium profiles. The rheological properties of the tailings were characterised using slump tests and a vane rheometer. The geometry of the flows was visualised using high speed cameras. The water flux out of the flowing tailings into underlying desiccated tailings was tracked using tensiometers installed in the bottom layer. Preliminary results indicate that the yield stress can substantially increase while the tailings are still flowing by both settling and capillary action into underlying desiccated tailings.
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