Characterization and dewatering of borax clayey tailings by mono- and dual-flocculants systems

Indexed In

Volume 156 / 2018

Authors:

NURAY KARAPINAR

Keywords:

Borax, benefi ciation, tailings, dewatering, flocculation,

Abstract:

This study includes dewatering of Kırka Borax Concentrator tailings by fl occulation with mono- and dual-fl occulants systems. Four polyacrylamide (PAM)-typed anionic and a poly diallyl-dimethylammonium chloride (PolyDADMAC)-typed cationic polymers were used as fl occulants in monoand dual-fl occulants systems to fl occulate tailings. Tailings slurry sample used in the experiments were taken from the discharge point of Kırka Borax Concentrator. Prior to the fl occulation tests, physical, chemical and mineralogical analysis were carried out to characterize the tailings slurry. Results reveal that while tailings solid consists mainly of dolomite and montmorillonite with some unrecoverable boron mineral fi nes and very minor amount of calcite and quartz, tailings water is typical with the content of quite high dissolved carbonate and borax with a pH of 9.4. Flocculation tests were performed in one liter graduated cylinder at inherent pH of the tailings slurry sample. Settling rate and turbidity of overfl ow was measured as important factors for evaluating the fl occulation performance of different fl occulants. The tailings slurry as received showed a very low settling behavior due to the clay content and high percentage of fi ne particles. Flocculation of tailings with anionic fl occulants accelerated the settling rate of particles without providing a clear supernatant. But, dual-fl occulants system, in which anionic and cationic type polymeric fl occulants were used, was able to provide a clear supernatant at relatively higher settling rates.

http://dx.doi.org/10.19111/bulletinofmre.336392

DOI:

http://dx.doi.org/10.19111/bulletinofmre.336392