Aranzu develops an efficient co-disposal solution for mines.

CASE STUDY: Co-disposal

Co-disposal is a well-established and beneficial means for disposing of waste tailings from a mine (combining fine and coarse tailings streams). The process reduces void fraction and offers a potentially higher strength material. However, co-disposal comes with a number of challenges. The two challenges of relevance are maintaining the coarse slurry in suspension, to allow it to be efficiently pumped. The second challenge being the precise mixing of the coarse and fine slurry streams to form a homogenous tailings stream.

The aranzu solution:

In order to address the challenges of co-disposal, aranzu has developed a range of jet pumps that are designed for use in co-disposal systems. The system transfers the fines stream through a high-pressure nozzle and this high pressure fines stream acts to fluidize and convey the coarse slurry stream. The jet pump therefore fulfills two important roles. It agitates a highly settling coarse material, and it mixes the two co-disposal materials. The ratio of fines to coarse material are based on the nozzle size and pressure.

The benefits of the aranzu co-disposal system:

• A robust coarse product handling system that does not require external agitation.
• No moving parts
• Ability to handle large particles.
• A blockage prevention system that allows system shutdown and startup without flushing.
• Efficient mixing to ensure a homogenous co-disposal stream.
• A full size range available that is:
• Sized to client’s needs.
• Offers a large operating range.
• Custom designed for mobile or permanent installations.

The modularity of the system allows aranzu to supply a complete co-disposal plant, or the individual equipment required to make-up a co-disposal system.

In conclusion:

Aranzu has a full jet pump size range to meet all throughput requirements for co-disposal. The units are made from aranzu’s in-house developed abrasive resistant cast materials which ensures a long, maintenance-free lifespan for the products. This means less down-time and improved cost-saving.