SLS Testing Services

Gravity Thickening Tests

Static and dynamic thickening test data can be collected to determine thickener sizing and operating parameters. The type of testing to be conducted will be determined by both the type of thickener desired and by the amount of sample available for testing.

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Key Determinations

  • Prediction of potential thickening performance (underflow density)
  • Recommendations for thickener operation parameters
  • Unit area and hydraulic loading rate basis sizing recommendations
  • Predicted flocculant types and dosages at various operating regimes

Pressure and Vacuum Filtration Tests

Vacuum and/or pressure filtration tests can be conducted on relatively small quantities of sample slurry. Tests conducted will collect a general set of data that would describe filter operation and performance in terms of production rate and achievable cake moistures.

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Key Determinations

  • Unit production rates for most vacuum filter types
  • Filter press sizing for most pressure filter types
  • Predicted cake moisture at various operating conditions
  • Cake dischargeability and stickability predictions
  • Predicted wash efficiency at various operating conditions
  • Technology recommendations based on overall performance

Slurry and Fluid Rheology (viscosity measurement)

Tests to determine apparent viscosity at known shear rates relative to solids concentration at known temperature and pH. Data analysis to determine the yield value for the slurry at various solids concentrations.

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Key Determinations

  • Slurry sample viscosity at various temperatures, pH & ORPs, solids concentrations, etc.
  • Development of flow curve for slurry sample at various conditions
  • Development of correlation between yield value vs. solids concentration for slurry sample at various conditions
  • Characterization of slurry sample as Newtonian vs. non-Newtonian
  • General rheological characterization of heterogeneous and non-heterogeneous slurries

Flocculant Evaluation & Selection

Static clarification tests can be conducted on each distinct sample. The effect that, flocculant dosage, underflow density and other controllable physical parameters, within flowsheet constraints, has on Unit Area can be examined.

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Key Determinations

  • Evaluation of broad range of products by chemistry, charge density, and molecular weight
  • Selection of optimum product type for sample, process stream, and project
  • General product description given for cross-referencing multiple manufacturers
  • Testing can be done with clients choice of product manufacturer

Gravity Clarification Tests

Static clarification tests can be conducted on each distinct sample. The effect that, flocculant dosage, underflow density and other controllable physical parameters, within flowsheet constraints, has on Unit Area can be examined.

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Key Determinations

  • Hydraulic sizing parameters for clarifier design
  • Predicted clarifier overflow suspended solids content
  • Flocculant type and dosage confirmation
  • Underflow density at operating conditions

Sample Characterization

Slurry sample characterization, may be conducted by us or by others, and should include liquor and solids specific gravities, particle size distribution of solids, P80 calculation, and normal or expected pH ranges for process streams.

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Key Determinations

  • pH, ORP, & element concentrations
  • Particle size determination (via wet & dry screening)
  • Slurry density
  • Solids content (by weight and volume)
  • Solid specific gravity
  • Liquor specific gravity

Pressure Clarification Tests

Tests can be conducted sample slurries with low solids concentrations, to determine design parameters for pressure leaf type clarification filters.

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Key Determinations

  • Design parameters for pressure leaf type filters
  • Unit area at various solids loading rates, driving forces, and temperatures
  • Candle and Funda type filter sizing parameters
  • Predicted filtrate suspended solids content
  • Filter aid type and dose recommendations
  • Typical filter aid types evaluated: diatomaceous earth, cellulose, flocculant, etc.