Tailings Transport – Back to Basics!

Authors: Slatter, PT Download Paper

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/563_10

Cite As:
Slatter, PT 2005, 'Tailings Transport – Back to Basics!', in R Jewell & S Barrera (eds), Paste 2005: Proceedings of the International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 165-176, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/563_10



Abstract:
The underlying principles of tailings transportation are strongly influenced by the paradigms of conventional Newtonian engineering hydrodynamics. However, fundamental differences exist, and the objective of this presentation is to high- light these, and their practical implications. The Bingham plastic rheological model is accepted as an appropriate point of departure, and the fundamentals of the development of the engineering hydrodynamics of tailings transport are presented. In particular, the meaning, measurement, importance and implications of the yield stress are explored. The exploitation of tailings rheology for pressure gradient prediction is then presented, emphasising the key role that the yield stress plays in turbulent, transitional and laminar pipe flow. Discussion centres around the prob- lems associated with the application of each flow regime, and the case for opera- tion in the transition zone is argued. 166 Paste 2005, Santiago, Chile Tailings Transport - Back to Basics! Slatter, P.T. This paper presents a cost comparison between pumping large volumes of dilute thickener feed to a remote thickener located at the tailings storage facility (TSF), and using high pressure positive displacement pumps pumping thickened tailings from a thickener located at the process plant to the tailings residue facil- ity. The study considers only the pump and pipeline system capital and operating costs, and specifically excludes all costs associated with preparation and place- ment. This study shows that for a 2.5 km distance both options have a similar net present cost. As the distance increases to 5 km it is better to locate the thickener at the process plant and pump high density thickened tailings using piston dia- phragm pumps. This is mainly due to the differences in annual operating costs over the life of mine as it is not energy efficient to pump large volumes of dilute slurry long distances. Each site assessment is obviously project specific and this trade-off study shows that it is not immediately obvious as to which pumping solution is the most cost effective.

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