Comparative performance evaluation of Weir Minerals’ Cavex® CVX and Cavex® DE hydrocyclones for optimised sand generation in tailings dam construction

This study presents a comparative evaluation of the performance envelope of the Weir Minerals Cavex® CVX standard cyclone and the Weir Minerals Cavex® DE two-stage separation cyclone, focusing on their effectiveness in tailings classification for sand generation, a critical component in tailings dam construction. Full-scale cyclones were tested in a pilot plant under controlled conditions to assess the impact of key operational variables, including feed pressure and feed dilution, on the quality of the cyclone underflow. Particular attention was given to the fines content of the sand material produced as it directly influences the structural integrity of sand constructed tailings dams.