Tailings Filtration Testwork and Pilot Testing
Tailings filtration testwork connects the material to equipment size, cake handling and filtrate requirements. Agree what question the test needs to answer before selecting samples or comparing results.
Prepare Representative Samples
Identify each sample by ore blend, sampling point, date, solids concentration and process conditions. Include normal feed and credible difficult cases, such as higher fines or a changed blend. Disclose known treatment chemicals and agree sampling, handling and transport instructions before dispatch.
Decide Whether to Escalate to Pilot Testing
A bench test can screen candidate media and identify difficult feed. Consider pilot testing when variable feed, sustained throughput, cleaning, or cake transfer cannot be judged adequately at bench scale. Before a pilot, agree the equipment route, sample quantity, operating window and reporting responsibilities.
Compare the results with the filtrate return et cake handover requirements. The mine tailings dewatering guide shows how to use the results in equipment selection.
Turn the Test Request Into a Decision Plan
Specify the design feed point, the cake destination and the filtrate receiver. Then state the decision the test should resolve. A comparison of ceramic and cloth media needs comparable feed, while a decision to add a membrane squeeze needs measurements before and after squeezing and the extra cycle time. Each sample should have a traceable identity and enough material for repeat tests. Confirm sample quantity, handling and shipping requirements with the selected test provider before collecting or sending slurry.
Compare Routes Without Losing the Test Conditions
| Report field | Enregistrement |
|---|---|
| Feed and preparation | Sample identity, solids concentration by mass, particle-size data if available, conditioning and any deviation from plant feed. |
| Base d'exploitation | Media and area, vacuum or pressure, relevant cycle steps, and run duration. For a press, distinguish cake mass per cycle from the rate over the full cycle. |
| Handover results | Dry-solids output, wet-basis cake moisture, release observations, filtrate volume and quality. Keep startup and stable filtrate samples separate. |
| Recovery and limits | Rate before and after cleaning, variations across repeat runs, and assumptions or measurements still needed for scale-up. |
Move to pilot testing when the purchase decision depends on behaviour the bench setup cannot reproduce, such as long-run blinding, continuous discharge or switching between feed blends. Agree what constitutes a stable run and which difficult feed must be included. If neither route clears the agreed duty, revisit the feed preparation or cake handover requirements before sizing a full plant. See the Metso testing centre description for the distinction between bench, laboratory and pilot testing.
Discuss Your Project
Share the duty, available samples, target outputs and any prior reports. Ask PORVOO to confirm the available test scope, location and reporting before arranging shipment.
