Report of Investigations 9573


Transport of Total Tailings Paste Backfill: Results of Full-Scale Pipe Test Loop Pumping Tests

1995

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This report presents the results of tests conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Mines to determine the transport characteristics of highly concentrated paste backfill mixes made from dewatered total mine tailings. The slurry concentrations of the mixes were all above 78 pct by weight with slumps ranging from 6.4 to 16.5 cm (2.5 to 6.5 in). Laboratory material property tests and full-scale pumping tests were conducted using pipe diameters of 102, 128, and 154 mm (4, 5, and 6 in) and a positive-displacement pump. The results indicated that the tested backfill mixes can be successfully transported as a stiff paste and identified the influence of and the interaction among the various mix and system variables.

Author(s):Clark-CC, Vickery-JD, Backer-RR
Reference:U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, Report of Investigations 9573, 1995:1-27

   ri9573 (PDF, 1223 KB)


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Page last updated: September 17, 2008
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Mining Division