Thickening
Thickener diagnostics
We review feed, bed and discharge to investigate changes in density, flow rate or rake torque.
Scope and deliverablesProcess engineering · Mining
Thickening.
Sedimentation.
Process data.
We investigate operating changes and evaluate signals, tests and models to explain their cause.
Tailings · Water recovery · Control
Solutions
From the problem to the diagnosis
Each review is defined by the equipment, available signals and the decision it must support.
Sedimentation
Sedimentation testing
We compare how materials and flocculation conditions respond through tests with documented preparation and measurement.
Scope and deliverablesInstrumentation and data
Signal validation
We assess what instruments represent and what information is missing to reconstruct an operating event.
Scope and deliverablesGENKO
Monitoring sedimentation tests
GENKO records the evolution of the solid-liquid interface during a test. Its application is assessed according to the material, test conditions and data needed for the analysis.
Explore the applicationKnowledge
Operating questions
Notes on mechanisms, variables and the limits of interpretation.
Thickening 3 min
Why feed is an underestimated thickener disturbance
Feed is one of the main disturbances affecting a thickener. It does not change only in flow rate or solids concentration. Particle-size distribution, material composition, water chemistry and settling response can…
Published
Tailings and water recovery 2 min
When higher water discharge from a thickener represents net recovery
Not necessarily. The balance boundary must be defined and the change must be shown to reduce the make-up water required by the circuit. Water may be recovered earlier in the thickener and no longer recovered later at…
Published
Thickening 3 min
How a tailings thickener works
A thickener receives slurry, promotes separation between solids and water, removes clarified water through the overflow and discharges a more concentrated slurry through the underflow. Its response depends on how…
Published
What is changing in the operation?
Thickener torque is rising
Review the sequence preceding the increase and distinguish process, instrumentation and mechanical causes.
Flocculant consumption is changing
Examine material, water, preparation and dosage before attributing the change to one variable.
Trends do not match field observations
Review what each signal represents and when it was obtained before fitting a model or adjusting control logic.
Evidence
What has been documented
Review the scope of interventions and the limits of each record.
Cases and evidenceResearch
References for discussing models
Publications on sedimentation and compression linked to the work of Camilo Mejías.
Read the publicationsDiscuss a challenge
What is changing in your process?
Describe the equipment, the observed change and the decision you need to review. You do not need to attach historical data to start a conversation.
Describe the problem