The Micro-Scale Mechanism of Metal Mine Tailings Thickening Concentration Improved by Shearing in Gravity Thickener

Higher concentration is beneficial for the Paste and Thickened Tailings (PTT) operation in metal mine. Partial paste thickeners are produced lower density underflow. Flocculated tailings intended to form a water entrapped network structure thickener, which detrimental underflow concentration. In this study, continuous thickening experiment was carried out ultra-fine tungsten study influence of rake shearing on The micro pores seepage flow bed before after studied by CT simulation approach reveal enhancement mechanism process. results shown that, increased from 61.4 wt% 69.6 pilot scale porosity decreased 46.48% 37.46%. discharged sticks more than sphere spaces. items seepage, shearing, channel becoming longer, caused decreasing average rate decreases absolute permeability. permeability negatively correlated with tortuosity. can destroy flocs structure; change effective stress increase improves waste recycling recovery rate, especially arid areas.