In the diverse field of mineral processing, thickeners are very essential in enhancing the effectiveness of water concentration and thickening of slurries and pulps. Also referred to as épaississeur in French, these machines are critical in increasing the sustainability of mining processes. The combination of thickeners with filtration technology like the filtre presse (filter press) makes the process better by increasing the efficiency of the solid-liquid separation. This paper aims at describing the role and application of thickeners in the mineral processing industry and how they complement filter presses.
Principles of Operation
Thickeners, or épaississeur, are large circular tanks used in the mineral processing plants to settle out fine particles from the slurry. They operate on the basis of gravity sedimentation where the solids settle at the bottom of the tank to form a dense underflow that can be treated or discharged. The water at the top is clear and can be returned to the plant hence minimizing the use of freshwater and wastage.
Enhancing Water Recovery
Another advantage of thickener in mineral processing is the ability to improve the water recovery. Thickeners enable the recovery of water within the plant and this is very important in areas where water is scarce. It also assists in the conservation of natural resources and also the cost of acquiring water and treating it is also minimized.
Integration with Filter Presses
The combination of a épaississeur with a filter presse creates a strong system for handling the tailings and waste products. The thickener initially thickens the slurry and thus reduces the volume of the slurry to be treated in the next stage. The thickened slurry can then be fed into a filter press for further dewatering, to an even higher degree of dryness. This process is crucial in reducing the impact of mining on the environment as well as improving the efficiency of the extraction of the minerals.
Improving Process Efficiency
Thickeners play a very important role in enhancing the efficiency of mineral processing plants. These machines help in cutting down the amount of waste material, which in turn relieves other processes like filtration, drying, and disposal. This kind of process flow not only reduces energy consumption but also increases the working capacity of the plant.
Cost-Effective Operations
The advantages of using thickeners in the mineral processing industry cannot be overemphasized as it has a direct impact on the economic aspect of the business. Thickeners are cost effective because they increase the concentration of minerals and also the recovery of water, thus cutting down on the costs of the raw materials and the disposal of wastes. In addition, the environmental impact is minimized and this results in less cases of noncompliance with the set legal requirements in the management of wastes and hence no fines and sanctions.
Through the use of épaississeur and filtre presse, mineral processing plants can improve their efficiency and sustainability. Thickeners are important in the handling of water and wastes so that the operations are not only effective but also sustainable. The combination of thickeners with filter presses is evidence of the development of mineral processing technology, which offers a complete solution to the needs of the modern mining industry.
Mehar Mozan 
Waqar Hussain 
IQnewswire