Quantifying the effect of ultra-fine particles on dewatering performance in bimodal suspensions

Abstract

A systematic approach was employed to evaluate and quantify the impact of ultra-fine particles on dewatering processes. Model suspensions were created by incorporating calcium carbonate particles of two distinct sizes (2.1 μm and 12.2 μm Sauter mean diameter) to simulate various levels of ultra-fine content. The objective was to compare differences based solely on particle size while maintaining consistent surface chemistry characteristics. As the ultra-fine content increased from 0 % to 100 %, the gel point decreased linearly from 38 v/v% to 22 v/v%, permeability decreased by up to 40 times, shear yield stress increased by 100 times, and extent of dewatering decreased from 63 v/v% to 53 v/v..