Patent ID: 6168352
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: B28C

Abstract:
A high density slurry or paste production apparatus for producing high density slurry or paste from mine tailings, wherein the mine tailings comprise a mixture of solids and water, with the solids being settlable in the water under the influence of gravity, said apparatus comprising: a containment vessel into which a quantity of mine tailings can be input; means for percolating water from the mixture as the solids are settling; means for decanting clarified water from the surface of the mixture when the solids have substantially settled to produce a high density slurry or paste from the settled solids, said means for decanting clarifed water being disposed about a peripheral portion of said containment vessel; means for introducing said mixture into said containment vessel at a level below said peripheral portion of said containment vessel; and means for injecting air into the mixture to agitate the solids while they are settling and for air fluidizing the high density slurry or paste to enable the high density slurry or paste to be removed from the vessel under the influence of gravity.