Studies on flocculation of kaolin suspensions and mature fine tailings

Promoting accelerated fine solids settling in tailings ponds is key to managing/treating oil sands tailings. This thesis presents results of studies conducted on flocculation of kaolin suspensions (as model tailings) and mature fine tailings (MFT). Two synthetic polymers (Magnafloc 1011 and Al--PAM) were tested as flocculants and the effects of addition of a surfactant (dodecylamine hydrochloride), lime, gypsum, and/or coarse sands during flocculation were studied. The effect of "staged polymer addition and stirring" during flocculation was also studied.;Magnafloc 1011 was found to be effective for flocculation of mature fine tailings while Al--PAM was not. Test results also showed that "staged polymer addition and stirring" was beneficial to the flocculation process. The current study shows potential of flocculation as a viable means to treat MFT of the oil sands industry.