Large Strain Settling Behavior of Polymer-Amended Laterite Slurries
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 11, Issue 2
Abstract
Knowledge of the settling properties of polymer-amended slurries is pivotal for improving throughput and yield during metal extraction and for developing tailings streams with superior geotechnical properties. This paper focuses on the large strain settling behavior of laterite slurries. The investigated slurry exhibited two settling regimes—sedimentation occurred up to and consolidation started at . Bipower law functions best described the entire process in the form of and relationships. Polymer addition generally improved slurry compressibility and hydraulic conductivity. The settling behavior of polymer-amended slurries was governed by large interfloc voids during sedimentation and by small intrafloc pores during consolidation. The combined effect of polymer parameters was effectively captured by the term polymer characteristic coefficient. Fit parameters for the and relationships were directly proportional to . Both the settling rate and amount varied extensively during hindered sedimentation. Compressibility during consolidation converged at and , but this was not the case for hydraulic conductivity. Physicochemical interactions dominated sedimentation but were ineffective during consolidation. The liquid limit () was used to differentiate between the two settling regimes.
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Acknowledgments
The writer acknowledges the material support extended by the Metallurgical Technologies Division of Dynatec Inc., Canada, and Ciba Specialty Chemicals Inc., Canada. Thanks to the University of Alberta and the University of Regina for providing laboratory space and computing facilities, respectively.
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Information
Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 11 • Issue 2 • April 2011
Pages: 105 - 112
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 21, 2009
Accepted: Mar 10, 2010
Published online: Mar 19, 2010
Published in print: Apr 1, 2011
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