Tailings sedimentation in deep-cone thickener by the numerical modelling approach

Abstract A laboratory-scale deep cone thickener is investigated by a numerical modelling approach to explore the flow characteristics, thereby improving the thickener’s performance. The interaction between solid and liquid is described by the Euler-Euler model, while the turbulence is captured by the RNG k - ε model. The results indicate that when the feed concentration increases, the axial velocity and the particle concentration of overflow and underflow increase. When the feed concentration exceeds 15%, the particle concentration of overflow reaches a higher level and tends to stabilize. Furthermore, this study provides a reference for the control of feed concentration in the thickener.