On-line measurement of slurry rheology in a thickener at a copper concentrator

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1-1998

Department

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Abstract

An on-line rheometer was developed to monitor the slurry rheology of a thickener underflow. The thickener processed a chalcopyrite flotation concentrate having a top particle size of 125 pm and a solids content of 30% to 60% (by weight). The slurry also contained residual flotation reagents, resulting in hydrophobic particles. Polymeric flocculants and lime were added to the thickener to flocculate the particles. Using the on-line rheometer, the slurry was found to exhibit pseudoplastic behavior with no yield value. It was also determined that factors other than the percent solids were responsible for changes in the slurry rheology.

Publication Title

Minerals and Metallurgical Processing

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