METHOD FOR DEWATERING THE SLUDGE LAYER OF AN INDUSTRIAL PROCESS TAILINGS POND

摘要

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREIn order to compress the sludge layer of an industrialprocess tailings pond beyond the density which it will natur-ally reach after treatment by the addition of hydrolyzedstarch flocculant, sand is distributed over the sludge layeras a water permeable surcharge which, by weight, further com-pacts the sludge to obtain additional dewatering. The hydro-lyzed starch flocculant provides improved shear strength andpermeability characteristics to the sludge layer such that itcan support the sand surcharge.