Does flocculant dosage affect settling rate of chromite ore tailings?

Effect of flocculant dosage on settling rate Batch sedimentation studies were carried out to measure the settling rate of chromite ore tailings using anionic, cationic and non-ionic polyacrylamide flocculants (Alstafloc 40, 60, 107, 155,155X, 155XX and 50) of different ionicity and molecular mass.

Does cationic polyacrylamide improve flocculation properties?

The results showed that the flocculation properties improved for the anionic flocculants having the low anionic strength and molecular weight, whereas, cationic flocculants performed better at the higher cationic strength and molecular weight. The non-ionic polyacrylamide is ineffective to flocculate the tailings particle.

Are cationic and ionic flocculants suitable for sedimentation of chromite tailings?

Both ionic and cationic flocculants are suitable for the sedimentation of chromite tailings. The results showed that the flocculation properties improved for the anionic flocculants having the low anionic strength and molecular weight, whereas, cationic flocculants performed better at the higher cationic strength and molecular weight.

How does ionicity affect sedimentation of chromite tailings?

The ionicity of the polymer has a significant effect on the rate of flocculation, settling velocity, and bed consolidation. Both ionic and cationic flocculants are suitable for the sedimentation of chromite tailings.

Can anionic polyacrylamide reduce moisture content?

Reducing the moisture content up to 22% is possible. Fig. 11. Possible flocculation mechanism with anionic polyacrylamide. 4.

Which mineral phases are present in chromite ore tailings?

The mineralogical investigation using XRD and QUEMSCAN revealed that majority mineral phases present in chromite ore tailings are chromite, goethite, and gibbsite whereas hematite, kaolinite, and quartz are secondary mineral phases . The SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 contents in process tailings vary between 10 and 12% and 15–17%, respectively .