High density paste thickener in Siberia

Authors: Lake, P; Boris, ME; Gollaher, T Paper is not available for download Contact Us

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1063_36_Lake

Cite As:
Lake, P, Boris, ME & Gollaher, T 2010, 'High density paste thickener in Siberia', 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. 411-419, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1063_36_Lake



Abstract:
The design of a 45 m diameter elevated high density paste thickener in Siberia represents an example of an application where paste and thickened tailings (P&TT) offers advantages in challenging environmental and site conditions. The benefits of P&TT have been realised by an increasing number of mineral plants in the world. Thickening tailings to paste can be an effective solution for deposition sites that are environmentally sensitive. Conventional slurry deposition may be very expensive for some terrains, making paste relatively economical. The use of this technology is not necessarily restricted from any particular geography or climate. Thickened tailings technology was selected in part because the unique terrain made conventional slurry deposition difficult and expensive. The high density thickener design was chosen because of the large diameter necessary to accommodate the solids feed rate while producing a non-settling underflow (paste). An elevated tank, as opposed to on-the-ground construction, was chosen because of considerations involving climate-related construction issues. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the initial mechanical and process design phase of the thickener, which will be installed and started up in 2010.

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