PAM for Copper Ore Thickening
Copper concentrators run thickeners on both concentrate and tailings streams, where fast, clean settling is essential for water recovery and paste disposal. Our high molecular weight anionic PAM grades (18–28M MW) are formulated for copper thickening duty — accelerating settling rate, maximizing underflow density, and producing recyclable overflow clarity across the neutral-to-alkaline pH range typical of copper flotation circuits.
Flocculant Selection by Copper Stream
Recommended anionic PAM grade and dosage for copper thickening duties
| Duty | Recommended Grade | Dosage & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copper tailings (pH 8-10) | Anionic 20–28M MW, 30–35% HD | 10–25 g/t; fast settling, clear overflow |
| Copper concentrate | Anionic 18–25M MW, 25–30% HD | 15–30 g/t; high underflow density |
| Paste thickener | Anionic 15–22M MW, 25–30% HD | 20–35 g/t; 65–70% underflow solids |
| Clay-rich ore | Anionic 22–28M MW, 30–35% HD | 20–30 g/t; overcomes slimes |
| Neutral circuit (pH ~7) | Anionic 20–25M MW, 25% HD | 10–20 g/t; standard duty |
Technical Parameters
| Application | Copper concentrate & tailings thickening |
| Recommended Type | Anionic PAM (APAM) |
| Molecular Weight | 18–28 million Da |
| Hydrolysis Degree | 25–35% |
| Typical Dosage | 10–25 g per ton dry solids (g/t) |
| Target Overflow Clarity | <50 NTU (recyclable) |
| Underflow Density | 60–70% solids |
| Effective pH Range | 7.0–11.0 |
| Packaging | 25 kg PP woven bags / 750 kg bulk bags |
Key Advantages
- High MW (18-28M) anionic PAM for rapid floc formation and settling
- High underflow density (60-70% solids) for paste and dry-stack tailings
- Clear overflow suitable for direct process-water recycle
- Effective across copper circuit pH (7-11)
- Reduces fresh water make-up 40-70% via recovery
- Bulk-bag logistics to remote mine sites
- Free cylinder settling test on your slurry sample
Copper Thickening Applications
- Copper tailings thickener
- Copper concentrate thickener
- Paste thickener / high-density thickening
- Tailings storage facility (TSF) water recovery
- SX-EW raffinate pond clarification
- Process water clarification
Dosage Guide
10–25 g/t dry solids for copper thickening; up to 35 g/t for paste. Always confirm by settling test.
Frequently Asked Questions — PAM for Copper Ore Thickening
What dosage of flocculant does copper thickening need?
Typical range is 10-25 g/t (grams per ton of dry solids) for copper tailings, and 15-30 g/t for concentrate thickening. Clay-rich or slimy ores need the higher end. Exact dosage is set by a cylinder settling test on your actual slurry.
Which PAM grade for copper — anionic or nonionic?
Copper circuits run neutral to alkaline (pH 7-11), so anionic PAM is the standard choice — the anionic charge bridges effectively with mineral surfaces at this pH. We select molecular weight and hydrolysis degree based on your ore mineralogy and target underflow density.
Can I get clear enough overflow to recycle the water?
Yes. Properly dosed high-MW anionic PAM produces overflow below 50 NTU, which is suitable for direct recycle to the process. This is where most of the water savings (40-70% less fresh make-up) come from.
What underflow density can I expect?
Conventional copper tailings thickeners reach 60-65% solids; paste and high-density thickeners with the right polymer program reach 65-70%. Higher density reduces TSF footprint and improves water recovery, but needs a grade matched to your rake torque and pumping limits.
How do I test your flocculant against my current one?
Send a slurry sample (or PSD, mineralogy, pH, solids %). We run a graduated-cylinder settling test at 3-5 dosage points and return settling-rate curves, supernatant clarity, and recommended dosage — free of charge. On-site column tests can follow for scale-up.
Do you ship to remote copper mines and what is the MOQ?
MOQ is 500 kg. We supply copper operations in South America, Africa, and Central Asia in 25 kg bags and 750 kg bulk bags on pallets, built for rough site logistics.
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