Performance optimization of dewatering of coal fine tailings using Box–Behnken design

ABSTRACT

The Box–Behnken design of experiments was employed to optimize the effect of variables on the settling performance of coal fine. Variable parameters considered in the study were pulp density, pH, and flocculant dosage, and their influence was discussed using 3D surface plot. The study showed that a pulp density of 6% solid (w/w) was the most favorable condition indicated a settling rate of 221 mm/min and pH of 7.5 and flocculant dosage of 14.58 gpt were found to be the optimum condition. The empirical models developed showed a correlation coefficient (between experimental and predicted values) of 0.99 for settling rate.

KEYWORDS:

• Box–Behnken design
• coal tailings
• flocculant
• modeling
• settling