Dewatering of Coal Mine Tailings Using Electrokinetics
Date
2006-11-14T08:07:04Z
Authors
Sekwele, Matome Ludwick
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Abstract
Increasing quantities of finer wastes often contain reactive sulphide minerals and
high water contents that pose stability and environmental concerns. This study
investigates how electrokinetic process can be improved, to make it more viable
towards dewatering finer coal slurries.
In the electrokinetic process, a direct current induces the movement of water out
of a porous material. A wooden test box was filled up to two-thirds with fine coal
slurries. Electrokinetic Geotextiles (EKGs) and brass were used as electrodes. The
conducting wires were attached to each electrode and connected to a DC source to
form an electro-osmosis cell. Current was passed through the cell and water
moved to the cathode where it was withdrawn.
The dewatering efficiencies ranged from 13.13 to 109.84 ml/Ah. The energy
consumptions ranged from 5.23 to 14.03 kWh/m3 and are in line with those
recorded by Johns (2005). Conductivity and pH measurements were taken. EKGs
performed better than brass electrodes.
Description
Student Number : 0418764K -
MSc (Eng) dissertation -
School of Civil and Environmental Engineering -
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Keywords
electrokinetics, dewatering efficiency, electrophoresis, EKGs, conductivity, energy consumption, moisture content