Dewatering Mineral processing

dewatering important process in mineral processing. purpose of dewatering remove water absorbed particles increases pulp density. done number of reasons, specifically, enable ore handling , concentrates transported easily, allow further processing occur , dispose of gangue. water extracted ore dewatering recirculated plant operations after being sent water treatment plant. main processes used in dewatering include dewatering screens such sepro-sizetec screens, sedimentation, filtering, , thermal drying. these processes increase in difficulty , cost particle size decreases.

dewatering screens operate passing particles on screen. particles pass on screen while water passes through apertures in screen. process viable coarse ores have close size distribution apertures can allow small particles pass through.

sedimentation operates passing water large thickener or clarifier. in these devices, particles settle out of slurry under effects of gravity, or centripetal forces. these limited surface chemistry of particles , size of particles. aid in sedimentation process, flocculants , coagulants added reduce repulsive forces between particles. repulsive force due double layer formed on surface of particles. flocculants work binding multiple particles while coagulants work reducing thickness of charged layer on outside of particle. after thickening, slurry stored in ponds or impoundments. alternatively, can pumped belt press or membrane filter press recycle process water , create stackable, dry filter cake, or tailings .

thermal drying used fine particles , remove low water content in particles. common processes include rotary dryers, fluidised beds, spray driers, hearth dryers , rotary tray dryers. process expensive operate due fuel requirement of dryers.