Results
In the 30 kg bin tests, coarse polymer dosages of 10.4–12.9 kg/m³ raised starting solids contents of 21%, 39% and 48% to 70%, 83% and 88%, respectively, after 72 hours.
How it was tested
Two sodium-polyacrylate grades recovered from unused diaper manufacturing rejects were tested with Mine A tailings from Abitibi. The programme used mine-water beakers, 200 g slurry dishes and 30 kg slurry bins, with polymers held in geotextile bags for slurry tests.
Study limits
The authors identify gel blocking as a barrier to water reaching polymers inside the bags. Absorption was lower in mine water than in deionised water. They state that industrial economic viability was not established.
Cost assumptions and further work
The cost comparison assumes US$1,000 per tonne of polymer and considers one use or five reuse cycles. The authors call for regeneration testing for each polymer and dosage, plus an economic assessment of water desorption and recovery.
Original sources
Amal Sahi; Khadija El Mahboub; Tikou Belem; Abdelkabir Maqsoud; Mamert Mbonimpa (2019). Dewatering of Mine Tailings Slurries Using Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs) Reclaimed from Industrial Reject of Baby Diapers: A Preliminary Study.