The first part of the project identified an optimum pH range and optimum Mg
2+ and Ca2+ concentrations. Following this, a series of the tests was carri
ed out under varying hydrodynamic conditions.
The tests also included a polyethylene oxide (PEO) flocculant. The results
confirmed that good flocculation response requires not only optimization of
the polymer dosage, but also the rate of polymer addition and intensity of
conditioning. Good flocculation can be achieved with lower polymer dosages
when using more dilute polymer solutions and continuous polymer addition d
uring conditioning.
The PEO flocculant was found to be very effective for flocculation of the S
yncrude tailings. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.