Deep Cone Thickener Underflow Concentration Auto-Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deep cone thickeners lack the ability to rapidly adjust underflow concentration, necessitating separate equipment for underground backfill and surface discharge, leading to increased costs and reduced efficiency in tailings disposal.
Innovation Solution
A deep cone thickener with an underflow concentration rapid auto-adjustment system, comprising a shell body, dilution flocculation, shearing dewatering, underflow circulatory, and auto-control systems, utilizing three circulatory subsystems with high, middle, and low position settings, controlled by a PLC system to adjust underflow concentration dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a deep cone thickener operates with high concentration underflow for underground backfill, then the paste filling strength is improved, but the transportation cost and equipment investment increase when discharging to ground surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic concentration adjustment by switching between different circulatory modes (high circulation mode for underground backfill, low circulation mode for surface discharge). The system can transition between these modes based on operational requirements, allowing a single thickener to adapt its underflow concentration dynamically rather than being fixed, thus eliminating the need for multiple separate equipment pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the concentration parameter of the underflow by controlling the circulatory pump operations. In high circulation mode, the pump operates at high speed to maintain high concentration for underground backfill. In low circulation mode, the pump operates at low speed to reduce concentration for surface discharge. This parameter adjustment allows one piece of equipment to serve multiple functions with different concentration requirements.
2Reliability
If separate equipment is used for underground backfill and surface discharge, then the concentration requirements are met, but the equipment investment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deep cone thickener is designed with multi-functionality to perform both underground backfill and surface discharge operations. By incorporating a circulatory pump system with variable speed control and multiple circulation paths, a single thickener unit can fulfill the concentration requirements for both applications, eliminating the need for separate equipment and reducing overall investment cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic mode switching between high circulation mode (for underground backfill with high concentration) and low circulation mode (for surface discharge with lower concentration). This dynamic adaptability allows one piece of equipment to replace what would traditionally require two separate pieces of equipment, reducing investment while maintaining reliability.
3Device complexity
If the underflow concentration is decreased rapidly for surface discharge, then the transportation cost is reduced, but the adjustment time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for concentration adjustment by having the circulatory pump pre-positioned with variable speed control capability. When mode switching is required, the pump can be quickly adjusted to the appropriate speed and circulation path without requiring physical reconfiguration or lengthy setup time. This preliminary preparation of the control system enables rapid transition between high and low circulation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulatory pump system incorporates variable speed control that allows dynamic adjustment of circulation rate. When transitioning from high concentration mode to low concentration mode, the pump speed can be rapidly reduced and the circulation path can be switched, achieving quick concentration adjustment without significant time loss. The dynamic control system minimizes operational delays.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick adjustment of underflow concentration to meet both underground backfill and surface discharge requirements, reducing equipment costs and enhancing operational efficiency while effectively managing tailings disposal.
Implementation Method 1
the concentration of the tailings rapidly and substantially increases under the chemical action of the flocculant
Implementation Method 2
the stirring shearing action of the rake
Implementation Method 3
each circulatory subsystem includes a discharging valve, an underflow pump, and circulatory pipe
Implementation Method 4
the auto-control system includes a PLC control system that is connected to the underflow pumps, a concentration meter, and the discharging valves
Data Source
AI summary
A deep cone thickener with an underflow concentration rapid auto-adjustment pertains to the technical field of mining tailing disposal. The thickener includes a shell body, a dilution flocculation system, a shearing dewatering system, an underflow circulatory system, and an auto-control system. The shell body includes a thickener pool wall, a cone body, and a collection cylinder. The dilution flocculation system includes a feed pipe, a flocculant charging pipe, and a central feed well. The shearing dewatering system includes a drive motor, a drive shaft, and a rake. The underflow circulatory system includes discharging valves, underflow pumps, circulatory pipes, and a concentration meter. The auto-control system includes a PLC control system. During the underground paste filling, the dilution flocculation system and shearing dewatering system can form a paste slurry. When there is no need for underground backfill, the underflow circulatory system is used to lower the underflow concentration rapidly.