Cake formation: three tailings filtration technologies using pressure

The equipment selection for a fine coal tailings dewatering application is filled with numerous challenges and complications. There are known technologies operating in the Australian coal industry such as belt press filters and, recently, solid bowl centrifuges. This paper looks at three known technologies, namely belt press filters, plate and frame filters, and solid bowl centrifuges to dewater thickened fine coal tailings. A comparison of recovery, moisture, reagent addition, solids and volumetric throughput is presented. Some pros and cons of each application will also be provided. Specialised technical information on each application including the major factors that have the greatest dewatering impact on the technologies will be highlighted. Information from an installation from South Africa is shared. The paper assists with the selection process and explains important information that must be brought to light when considering a change from wet disposal to dry disposal. Elements of this paper were previously published in Meiring (2021).