Application Potential of Cavex® Double Effect Hydrocyclone for the Classification of Mine Tailings - A Pilot Scale Study

The Cavex (R) Double Effect (DE) hydrocyclone is a double-efficiency classification unit, working as a single stage without the need for additional intermediate equipment such as pumping. The aim of this work is to evaluate the physical response of design and operating variables of the Cavex (R) DE hydrocyclone on the classification performance of mine tailings. We conducted tests at a pilot level and the subsequent industrial scale, to know the real application potential of the DE hydrocyclones and scopes for future implementation. The result from the study reveals that double classification helps to significantly lower the fine bypass in the underflow to produce the desired quality of sand for tailing dam construction. It is also concluded that the DE hydrocyclones increase the recovery of sand (sand/slime ratio) and also improve the global water recovery in the process when compared with conventional single-stage hydrocyclones.