The sedimentation tests on the tailings from bauxite direct-flotation

The influence rules for the settlement of tailings from bauxite direct-flotation were investigated under the different pulp pH and dosage of inorganic coagulants(such as FeSO4·7H2O,PAC and PFS) and PAM.The results show that the surface static potential of particles is the key effect factor for the settlement of tailings.The good settlement of tailings can be achieved when the pH value of pulp was adjusted to around 7 without any coagulant.Anionic PAM can increase the sedimentation rate of bauxite flotation tailings evidently,but the pulp pH should be adjusted around 7.The settlement will become worse while pulp pH is higher or lower than 7.The combination of PAM and FeSO4·7H2O could produce good sedimentation results for tailings,and the dosage of PAM and FeSO4·7H2O can also be decreased.,so it shows good application prospect.