Device for Efficient Continuous Electrokinetic Dewatering of Phosphatic Clay Suspensions

摘要

Various examples related to electrokinetic dewatering (EKD) of suspensions such as, e.g., phosphatic clay suspensions are provided. In one example, a system for continuous EKD includes cake dewatering unit having a lower conveying belt extending across a dewatering chamber; an upper conveying belt extending across at least a portion of the dewatering chamber; and a sludge inlet configured to supply a sludge suspension on the first end of the lower conveying belt. The conveying belts can extend across the dewatering chamber at an angle. Rotation of the conveying belts draws the sludge suspension through an electric field where the sludge suspension is dewatered. The electric field can be established between an upper anode and a lower cathode. The upper and lower conveying belts can include the anode and cathode. A suspension thickening unit can provide a thickened sludge suspension the cake dewatering unit for enhanced dewatering.