increasing the efficiency of deep cone thickeners of the sarcheshmeh copper complex by improving flocculant conditioning

Mineral processing plants require a large amount of water; for this reason, maximum water recovery and recycling are essential. one of the most important equipment in the solid-liquid separation process is the thickener. this study investigated the effects of flocculant conditioning on increasing the efficiency of deep cone thickeners of the sarcheshmeh copper complex. this study aimed to reduce the flocculant consumption and decrease the thickener overflow turbidity by improving the flocculant conditioning. therefore, in the first step, electrical connections were modified to allow simultaneous use of two flocculant conditioning systems. then, to increase the filling time of the flocculant mixing tank from 45 to 70 minutes, dry flocculant and water flow rates were decreased. also the total conditioning time (filling time + mixing time) was increased from 90 to 150 minutes. after the modifications, in addition to increasing the flocculant conditioning time, the flocculant solution concentration decreased from 0.31 to 0.27%. the results showed that dry flocculant lumps (known as fish eyes) in the conditioning tanks were dissolved. finally, the turbidity of the thickener overflow was improved, and the flocculant consumption was decreased from 32 to 28 g/t. it must be noted that the reduction of 4 g/t of flocculant dosage in the plant saves 120 t/y of dry flocculant.