METHOD FOR THICKENING SAPONITE SUSPENSION Russian patent published in 2018 - IPC C02F9/04 C02F1/52 B01D21/01 C02F101/10 C02F103/10 

FIELD: technological processes.

SUBSTANCE: invention can be used in the field of the mining industry in the processes of enrichment of diamondiferous kimberlite rocks to obtain recycled water free from a suspension of clay materials. Method for thickening the saponite suspension involves precipitating the particles for subsequent separation of the precipitate formed and treatment with a coagulant. Classifier overflow is diluted with water in the reaction cell to a density of 1,250 to 1,350 kg/m³, then the suspension is fed to a thickener equipped with a stirrer and treated with a coagulant. As the coagulant, aluminum oxychloride is used with a 15 % concentration of the working coagulant in Al₂O₃. Mixing is carried out at a speed of 80 to 110 rpm and the solid and liquid phases are separated. Liquid phase is fed back into the cycle, and the condensed solid phase into the tailing pond.

EFFECT: method ensures the production of purified water using all process water after the enrichment process, which allows to organize water recycling system, reduce the consumption of fresh water and eliminate the discharge of industrial waste water; in addition, the resulting thickened solids precipitate is suitable for conical storage.

1 cl, 3 dwg, 3 ex