Electrokinetically enhanced vacuum dewatering of mineral slurries

Abstract

Vacuum dewatering of titanium oxohydrate and pyrite slurries was enhanced electrokinetically through application of a constant DC voltage across the bed. The power was applied either continuously or in an interrupted mode, with the electrodes short-circuited during the periods of power interruption. The interrupted mode removed more water than continuous power, with a lower consumption of energy. Additional water could be removed in the interrupted mode by adding base at the anode to neutralise the acidity produced by the reaction at the anode when the power was on.