Working Principle of Thickener

Working Principle of Thickener

A thickener is a crucial equipment employed for the concentration of slurry, and its operational principles involve a series of intricate steps that facilitate the effective separation of water and solid particles. Below is a detailed explanation of the working principle of a thickener.

1. Feed and Deaeration:The slurry initially enters the deaeration tank, exposing it to a vacuum environment. This step aids in removing gases from the slurry, preventing the formation of bubbles and enhancing the efficiency of subsequent processes.

2. Swirling Feed Tank:Processed slurry is directed into the swirling feed tank. Here, the slurry flows in a vortex, encouraging better mixing and aggregation of particles. This step facilitates the formation of larger particle aggregates, creating favorable conditions for the subsequent concentration process.

3. Swirling Thickening Tank:The slurry enters the swirling thickening tank, designed to form a deep cone shape internally. This design aids in precipitating solid particles, forming a high-concentration bottom slurry.

4. Re-Flocculation:Within the swirling thickening tank, re-flocculation can take place by adding flocculants. This encourages the remaining fine particles to combine into larger aggregates, improving concentration efficiency and reducing the content of suspended particles.

5. Filtration and Compression:Through filtration and compression processes, the concentration of the bottom slurry is further increased. This typically involves the use of filter screens or other separation devices to remove water, resulting in a more concentrated slurry.

6. Overflow and Underflow:After undergoing the above steps, the processed slurry generates overflow and underflow. The overflow is clarified water, usually discharged from the overflow weir. The underflow is the high-concentration slurry released from the bottom cone.

7. Overflow Weir and Underflow Cone:The clarified overflow exits through the overflow weir, while the high-concentration underflow is released from the bottom cone of the thickener. The configuration of these two outlets ensures efficient solid-liquid separation, providing clear water and concentrated solids.

Through this sequence of steps, a thickener achieves the efficient concentration of slurry. It finds widespread applications in industries such as mining, metallurgy, and chemical engineering, offering a reliable solution for various industrial processes requiring effective solid-liquid separation.