Thickener
Product Overview
A thickener is a solid-liquid separation device based on gravity sedimentation. Typically constructed as a cylindrical shallow tank with a conical bottom, it utilizes materials such as concrete, wood, or metal welded plates for structural integrity.
This equipment processes ore pulp with an initial solid content of 10%~20%, transforming it into underflow ore pulp with a concentrated solid content of 45%~55% through gravity sedimentation. A slowly rotating rake mechanism (operating at 1/3~1/5 r/min) facilitates the discharge of thickened underflow ore pulp from the bottom outlet.
Thickeners are extensively employed in cyanidation plants for leaching and washing operations, serving multiple functions including thickening, washing, and buffering.
Based on driving mechanisms, thickeners are categorized into two primary types: center-driven and peripheral-driven. Center-driven thickeners are specified by the inner tank diameter, while peripheral-driven units are defined by the annular track diameter.
The center-driven thickener comprises three main components: an annular tank, a rake mechanism, and a driving system. The tank features a gently inclined conical bottom with a 6°~12° slope relative to the horizontal plane. Concrete construction is standard, though smaller diameter tanks may utilize steel plate welding. An overflow launder encircles the upper inner wall for discharge management.
A central vertical shaft connects to the rake mechanism, which consists of rake arms, rake teeth, and reinforcing bracing bars. Two radially arranged rake arms form a cross configuration. Rake teeth are mounted at approximately 30° angles to ensure comprehensive product discharge from the tank bottom. The vertical shaft interfaces with the worm gear drive via a sliding fit, constrained by a connecting key for controlled downward movement.
Product Application
Thickeners are widely implemented in industrial settings requiring solid-liquid enrichment and separation, including hydrometallurgy plants, mineral processing facilities, and chemical plants. Standard diameters range from 3 meters to 100 meters, with depths varying from 2 meters to 4 meters.
Structural Components
A standard thickener configuration typically includes: thickening tank, rake frame, driving device, rake frame lifting mechanism, feeding system, discharging apparatus, and integrated signal and safety systems.
Performance Characteristics
- Flocculant integration increases settling solid particle size, accelerating sedimentation velocity
- Inclined plate installation reduces ore particle settling distance while expanding settling area
- Thick deposited sludge layers provide flocculation, filtration, compression, and capacity enhancement functions
- Comprehensive automation control systems ensure operational efficiency and reliability
The defining operational characteristic involves flocculant addition to incoming ore pulp, promoting floc formation among ore particles to expedite settling velocity and optimize thickening performance.
Parameters
Drawings
