Mine tailings dewatering and underground paste backfill present complex hydraulic challenges due to the non-Newtonian, yield-stress behavior of concentrated mineral slurries.
1. Rheology & Pipeline Friction Modeling
MacProtec process engineers develop rheological models based on Bingham plastic and Herschel-Bulkley flow formulations:
- Calculating yield stress thresholds required to initiate and maintain laminar paste flow.
- Determining head loss gradients per 100 meters across varying pipe diameters and solids concentrations (72% to 82% solids by weight).
- Simulating transient hydraulic surges and water hammer conditions during emergency pump trips.
2. Process Optimization Results
- Increased thickener underflow density from 64% to 78% solids by weight.
- Recovered over 90% of process water for re-use in mineral grinding circuits.
- Guaranteed line blockage prevention and optimized positive-displacement pump sizing.