Investigation of Solid - Liquid Separation of the Final Tailing at Zonouz Kaolin Processing Plant

In this research, the separation of solid phase and water in the final tailings of the Zonouz kaolin processing circuit was investigated. The sedimentation of solid particles was investigated by changing different parameters and their effects were evaluated on the initial rate of sedimentation, clarity of clear water, viscosity, and density of the settled pulp. Increasing the pH improved the sedimentation rate, and the settled pulp became denser. Despite the increase in sedimentation rate, the clarity of clear water decreased due to the presence of fine suspended particles at high pH. The use of flocculant, even in a small amount, increased the initial sedimentation rate by six times and improved the clarity of clear water. However, the density of the sedimented part decreased due to the increase in pulp volume.