MUD TRANSPORT IN SRI CLARIFIERS

摘要

The high throughput rates and low residence times that are achievable with the new generation clarifier have focussed attention on the need to improve the handling and transport properties in the mud thickening zone. This places more emphasis on the ability of the mud scraper designs to transport the mud towards the centre mud cone. The investigations into the effects of the clarifier design on mud transport have been conducted using pilot tests and factory trials. The mud transport efficiency of current flat inclined blades is low at 0.18. It was estimated that the throughput of new generation clarifiers would be limited by the ability of the mud scraper system to maintain the required delivery rate of mud to the mud cone for withdrawal. A number of options for improved transport capacity have been assessed. A hybrid blade design has been developed that combines the existing flat inclined blade with a new lead section with a greater angle to provide a more incisive separation as the blade progresses through the mud layer.