Polymers can enhance the clarity and quality of water in the pit by aiding in the removal of suspended solids. As flocculants or coagulants, polymers facilitate the formation of larger, more easily settled flocs, resulting in clearer water with reduced suspended particle content.
Polymers can be used in pit deposition strategies in mining operations to optimize settling rates, floc strength, and density, ultimately influencing the overall effectiveness of pit management. Using polymer technologies also enhances released water, reclaimed water, and reclaimed water clarity while maximizing pit life.
Water Clarity & Quality
Settling Aids
Polymers are used as settling aids to optimize the settling characteristics of suspended solids in the pit. By modifying the rheological properties of the slurry or tailings, polymers can improve the settling rates and reduce the time required for effective solid-liquid separation. This facilitates the consolidation and compaction of deposited materials in the pit.
Solid/Liquid Separation and Dewatering
As flocculants, polymers adsorb onto suspended particles in the water, promoting their aggregation into larger and denser flocs. This enhances settling rates and improves the efficiency of solid/liquid separation in the pit. By aiding the formation of stable flocs, polymers contribute to more effective pit deposition strategies.
Polymers are also used as coagulants to assist in the destabilization and aggregation of fine particles in water. By neutralizing charges and facilitating particle collisions, polymers aid in the formation of larger flocs that settle more rapidly. This enhances the dewatering and solid-liquid separation processes during pit deposition.
