Paste reticulation blockage: an Australian case study

Authors: Morcombe, AS Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1910_43_Morcombe

Cite As:
Morcombe, AS 2019, 'Paste reticulation blockage: an Australian case study', in AJC Paterson, AB Fourie & D Reid (eds), Paste 2019: Proceedings of the 22nd International Conference on Paste, Thickened and Filtered Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 563-570, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1910_43_Morcombe



Abstract:
This paper looks at the design of a paste reticulation system, particularly a new method of diverting paste flows in critical situations, and the safeguards that were incorporated into the reticulation design to minimise the risk of line blockage during backfill operations. It also details the actions taken during a paste blockage event to flush and recover the entire line. The paper considers some of the restrictions that were imposed due to cost and time restraints on the schedule, and the impact these restrictions had on the profile and the flow characteristics of the reticulation network. Finally, a summary of key learnings and solutions that have been implemented to further safeguard the system has been provided.

Keywords: paste fill, blockage, reticulation, Quattro Diverter 2 position (QD2), Quattro Changeover Spool (QCS), paste flushing stations (PFS)