Comparative performance evaluation of Weir Minerals’ Cavex® CVX and Cavex® DE hydrocyclones
for optimised sand generation in tailings dam construction

doi:10.36487/ACG_repo/2555_18

Authors: Engels, J; Lopez, J; Guzman, J; Valdes, S

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2555_18

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Engels, J, Lopez, J, Guzman, J & Valdes, S 2025, 'Comparative performance evaluation of Weir Minerals’ Cavex® CVX and Cavex® DE hydrocyclones for optimised sand generation in tailings dam construction', in AB Fourie, A Copeland, V Daigle & C MacRobert (eds), Paste 2025: Proceedings of the 27th International Conference on Paste, Thickened and Filtered Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 263-272, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2555_18

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Abstract:
This study presents a comparative evaluation of the performance envelope of the Weir Minerals Cavex® CVX standard cyclone and the Weir Minerals Cavex® DE two-stage separation cyclone, focusing on their effectiveness in tailings classification for sand generation, a critical component in tailings dam construction. Full-scale cyclones were tested in a pilot plant under controlled conditions to assess the impact of key operational variables, including feed pressure and feed dilution, on the quality of the cyclone underflow. Particular attention was given to the fines content of the sand material produced as it directly influences the structural integrity of sand constructed tailings dams.

Keywords: tailings, cyclone, re-cyclone, embankment, construction

References:

Bloor, MIG & Ingham, DB 1976, ‘Boundary layer flow on the side walls of a hydrocyclone’, Transactions of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, vol. 54.

Castro, E, Lopez, J, & Switzer, D 2009, ‘The recyclone efficiency in the classification in double effect’ in D Malhotra, P Taylor, E Spiller, & M Lavier (eds), Recent Advances in Mineral Processing Plant Design, Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Littleton.

Concha, F, Barrientos, A & Montero, J 1994, ‘Air core and roping in hydrocyclones’, Comminution 1994: Proceedings of the 8th European Symposium on Comminution and 50th Event of the European Federation of Chemical Engineering, Elsevier Science, Amsterdam.

López GJ & Cepeda GE 2015, ‘Double effect CAVEX: the end solution in sand classification and water saving for tailings dam’ in S Barrera (ed), Proceedings of the 2nd International Seminar on Tailings Management, Gecamin, Santiago.

López GJ, & Mogollones PM 2016, ‘Slurry densification through hydrocyclones: An alternative to conventional processes’, in S Barrera & R Jewell (eds), Paste 2016: Proceedings of the 19th International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Gecamin, Santiago.

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