Data analysis of a paste thickener

Abstract The solids content of slurry is typically increased in thickeners. A clean overflow and maximum solids concentration in the underflow are the general targets. The flocculant rate and underflow rate are the two independent variables that are typically used for control. The dependent variables include rake torque, underflow density, overflow turbidity, solids interface level (bed depth), solids inventory (bed pressure), solids settling rate and underflow viscosity. The research problem in question is that the outgoing paste is sometimes difficult to pump. The phenomena leading to this situation are not well known. In the worst-case scenario these phenomena cause clogging in the piping. A data analysis has been done to find the variables that affect and correlate with the pumping problem. The scope of this study covers the measurements from the feed line, thickener and underflow. The goal is to gain better understanding of the phenomena after this phase. The data analysis was done using the paste line pressure difference as a response variable and by dividing the data collected from Yara’s Siilinjärvi mill into two parts: operation areas with high and low pressure difference. The analysis is focused on Thickener 1 due to better availability of measurements. The knowledge of the variables found to influence the pressure difference can be utilized in further development