An Improvement in Compressibility of Tailings of Iron Ore Processing Utilizing Anionic Surfactants

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Mining engineering Group-Islamic Azad University-Sirjan Branch, Sirjan-Iran

2 Department of Mining Engineering, Sirjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sirjan, Iran

3 Process Engineer-Golgohar Industrial and Mining Co.

Abstract

Compressibility of suspension plays an essential role in the performance of modern dewatering equipment such as paste thickeners and filters. Since compressibility of mineral suspensions is affected by interparticle forces, investigating the forces may lead to find a practical solution to enhance the compressibility of suspensions. Utilizing the surfactants is an essential method to manipulate the interparticle forces and enhance the compressibility of suspension. In this work, THE EFFECT OF anionic surfactants known as Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) on the compressibility and filterability of tailings of iron ore processing and their mechanism of performance was investigated. In this order, Buchner funnel tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of surfactants on the compressibility and filterability of the suspension. Then, settling tests were performed to evaluate the possible interaction between the surfactants and flocculant. Finally, measurement of zeta potential, drop shape analysis, FTIR and TG-DTA tests were conducted to assess the mechanism of the surfactants performance. The results revealed that the moisture content of the filter cake reduced by three percent in the presence of surfactants. It was also found that the mechanism of surfactants performance is changing the zeta potential and making the hydrophobic solids surfaces. Eventually, an interaction observed between flocculant and surfactants which caused the settling rate increased by five times. These results are promising to enhance compressibility (in paste thickeners and filters) in the presence of these surfactants and achieving more recycled water from tailings of iron ore processing would be viable. Thus utilizing advanced tailings disposal methods such as stacking and achieving sustainable mining in the presence of SDS and SLES.

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Main Subjects

Nashrieh Shimi va Mohandesi Shimi Iran

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 November 2023

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