AU2020217442A1 - A mobile platform and method for dewatering a slurry material - Google Patents

Abstract

An assembly for dewatering a slurry material, the assembly comprising a mobile platform, said mobile platform comprising; a drive assembly; and at least one dewatering module arranged to separate the slurry material into a fluid and a solid material. 00 (00 ItC) 00 0 CNN (0

Description

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A MOBILE PLATFORM AND METHOD FOR DEWATERING A SLURRY MATERIAL

Technical Field

[001] The present invention generally relates to a mobile platform for dewatering a slurry material

Background

[002] In the mining industry, not all of the product collected in mining operations can be sold. Some material is left over after the process of separating the valuable fraction from the uneconomic fraction (gangue) of an ore or a mineral, where the uneconomic fraction of material is referred to as tailings. Often, the tailings are formed into a slurry, being a mixture of fine mineral particles and water, where the fine particles may range from the size of a grain of sand to a few micrometres.

[003] As this slurry material is not able to be sold, typically, it is classified as a waste material to be disposed. One current method of disposing the slurry includes use of a tailings pond, where a tailings pond is a recessed area formed in the ground where the slurry material is pumped into the recessed area to form a pond. Over time, the slurry in the pond experiences sedimentation (meaning separation) of solids from the water. The pond is generally impounded with a dam. This method minimizes the risk of fine tailings in their dry form being transported by wind into populated areas where the toxic chemicals could be potentially hazardous to human health.

[004] Another means of disposing tailings is to remove all, or most of, the water from the slurry and store the remaining solid material (or dewatered slurry) in a dump. However, as the disposal areas for the dewatered slurry are constantly changing due to the expanding nature of mining operations. For example a dewatering plant may be provided at each disposal area. However, such an arrangement would require large amounts of capital to purchase, set up and install the filter systems for each location. As such, the costs incurred in separating the water and solids from the slurry at each disposal area are generally prohibitive. Alternatively, the slurry may be dewatered in a central location and transported to the disposal location. The dewatered slurry may be transported by dump trucks, which collect the dewatered slurry material from the slurry processing plant and dispose of the dewatered slurry at the disposal location. To better manage the water content in the slurry for transportation, additional dry material may be added to the slurry to reduce the overall water content. However, this results in a greatly increased volume to be disposed and requires dumping areas or larger areas for the same amount of slurry.

[005] Further, the use of such transportation methods face numerous challenges. For example, the tailings pond or dump may include smaller sub-sections referred to as cells, where the walls of these cells are formed from surrounding soil. These walls can be quite steep in order to be effective at retaining sufficient amounts of slurry. As such, the tailing ponds or dumps normally include ramps that provide access to the cells. During wet weather, access to the cells becomes extremely challenging for vehicles as they commonly lose traction on the ramps. Further, in cases where not enough cells are available, a backlog is created at the ore handling and preparation plant (CHPP/Mill), which commonly results in inefficient double handling.

[006] A further challenge is that the trucks transporting the slurry require modification in order to hold the material. However, despite the modifications, these trucks are still not able to travel fully laden due to the viscous nature of the slurry affecting the handling of the trucks. Often, the slurry material commonly leaks from the trucks during transportation onto roads and ramps which creates safety issues for following trucks or other vehicles on that route. Such spillages en route and at the dump locations are common and require regular clean up by ancillary equipment.

[007] Once the slurry is dewatered, the slurry becomes somewhat glue-like and it is common for some of the dewatered slurry material to adhere to the truck. This results in the trucks being unable to fully dispose of their load and carrying some of the dewatered slurry back to the slurry processing plant instead of being fully disposed. This reduces truck operational productivity and efficiency as the trucks need to be cleaned before receiving another load of dewatered slurry.

[008] Moreover, further complications are provided due to the use of dump trucks, where the dewatered slurry is not able to be stacked compactly. This creates a large foot print requirement for tailings cells and increases the geotechnical risk for dump failure. Further, low height dumps are required to cover tailings cells within overburden dumps. This significantly impacts the overburden dump placement and mine planning economics.

Covering the tailings can create overflow situations cascading weak tailings to other parts of the dump that are highly undesirable to have weak material.

[009] The preferred embodiments of the present invention seek to address one or more of these disadvantages.

[010] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from the prior publication), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from the prior publication) or known matter forms liner of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Summary

[011] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[012] In a first aspect, there is provided an assembly for dewatering a slurry material, the assembly comprising a mobile platform, said mobile platform comprising; a drive assembly; and at least one dewatering module arranged to separate the slurry material into a fluid and a solid material.

[013] In an embodiment, the mobile platform is arranged to connect to a slurry intake module in fluid communication with a source of slurry material.

[014] In an embodiment, the mobile platform in accordance with claim 1, wherein the mobile platform includes a slurry intake module arranged to connect to a source of slurry material.

[015] In an embodiment, the source of slurry material is a remotely located tailings dam.

[016] In an embodiment, the slurry intake module is arranged in fluid communication with the at least one dewatering module.

[017] In an embodiment, the mobile platform includes a flocculation module.

[018] In an embodiment, the flocculation module is arranged to admix a clarifying agent to the slurry material between the slurry intake module and the dewatering module.

[019] In an embodiment, the dewatering module includes at least one aging tank that enables the clarifying agent to enable flocculation of the slurry material.

[020] In an embodiment, the at least one dewatering module includes at least one screw press.

[021] In an embodiment, the at least one screw press includes two screw presses arranged in parallel with one another.

[022] In an embodiment, the at least one aging tank is connected in series with the at least one screw press.

[023] In an embodiment, the at least one screw press includes a rotating helical surface arranged to separate the slurry material into the fluid and the solid material.

[024] In an embodiment, the screw press includes a perforated cover encompassing the rotating helical surface that filters and collects the fluid.

[025] In an embodiment, the rotating helical surface is arranged to extend between a first end of the at least one screw press and a second end of the at least one screw press, the first end being arranged to receive the slurry material and the second end being arranged to dispense the solid material.

[026] In an embodiment, the at least one dewatering module is in fluid communication with at least one fluid sump tank, the at least one fluid sump tank being arranged to collect the fluid.

[027] In an embodiment, the at least one dewatering module includes two dewatering modules arranged in parallel with one another.

[028] In an embodiment, the solid material is dispensed from the at least one dewatering module to at least one conveyor.

[029] In an embodiment, the at least one conveyor includes at least one screw conveyor and at least one belt conveyor, the at least one screw conveyor being arranged to convey the solid material from the at least one dewatering module to the at least one belt conveyor.

[030] In an embodiment, the at least one belt conveyor is arranged to dispose of the solid material into a tailings truck, a tailings dam, or a tailings stockpile.

[031] In an embodiment, the at least one conveyor includes at least one belt conveyor, the at least one belt conveyor a being arranged to receive the solid material from the at least one dewatering module and dispose of the solid material into a tailings truck, a tailings dam, or a tailings stockpile.

[032] In an embodiment, the drive assembly includes a chassis to support a drivetrain module.

[033] In an embodiment, the chassis includes one or more pairs of continuous tracks, wherein the drivetrain module is arranged to drive the one or more pairs of continuous tracks.

[034] In an embodiment, the mobile platform includes an electric generator.

[035] In an embodiment, the electric generator powers a plurality of pumps provided to the mobile platform, the plurality of pumps being arranged to enable the movement of the slurry material and the fluid around the mobile platform.

[036] In an embodiment, the electric generator powers the drivetrain module.

[037] In an embodiment, the mobile platform includes an upper frame, the upper frame arranged to include the at least one dewatering module.

[038] In an embodiment, the mobile platform includes a middle frame, the middle frame arranged to include the slurry intake module.

[039] In an embodiment, the mobile platform includes a lower frame, the lower frame arranged to include the at least one fluid sump tank.

[040] In an embodiment, the mobile platform includes a lower frame, the lower frame arranged to include the chassis.

[041] Ina second aspect, there is provided a method of dewatering a slurry tailings material using a mobile platform, the mobile platform comprising a drive assembly and at least one dewatering module, the method comprising the steps of: using the drive assembly to move the mobile platform to a location proximate to a source of the slurry tailings material; arranging the mobile platform to receive the slurry tailings material from the source of the slurry tailings material; adding a clarifying agent to the slurry tailings material; aging the slurry tailings material to enable flocculation; dewatering the slurry tailings material using the at least one dewatering module, at least one dewatering module arranged to separate the slurry tailings material into a fluid and a solid material; and disposing the solid material and collecting the fluid for reuse.

[042] In an embodiment, the mobile platform further includes at least one conveyor, wherein the step of disposing the solid material further comprises disposing the solid material by means of the at least one conveyor.

[043] In an embodiment, the at least one conveyor being arranged to dispose the solid material into a tailings truck, a tailings dam, or a tailings stockpile.

Brief Description of Figures

[044] Example embodiments are apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of at least one non-limiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures.

[045] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a mobile platform in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[046] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a mobile platform in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[047] Figure 3 illustrates a plan view of a mobile platform in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[048] Figure 4 illustrates a further plan view of a mobile platform in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[049] Figure 5 illustrates a process flow diagram for a mobile platform in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[050] Figure 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

[051] Figure 7 illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

[052] Figure 8 illustrates a front view of a mobile platform in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[053] Figure 9 illustrates a side view of a mobile platform in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[054] Figure 10 illustrates a plan view of a mobile platform in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[055] Figure 11 illustrates a process flow diagram for a mobile platform in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

[056] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of one or more embodiments. In the figures, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout.

[057] Referring to Figures 1 to 7, there is provided an embodiment of an assembly for dewatering a slurry material, the assembly comprising a mobile platform 100, said mobile platform 100 comprising a drive assembly and at least one dewatering module 102 arranged to separate the slurry material into a fluid and a solid material. The mobile platform 100 may be arranged to travel to a location and at the location the dewatering module 102 is arranged to separate the slurry material into the fluid and the solid material, wherein the mobile platform 100 collects the fluid for reuse and disposes of the solid material at the location. Collection for reuse may include collecting the fluid and eventually pumping the fluid back to raw water storage facilities for reuse by a coal handling and preparation plant ("CHPP").

[058] In an embodiment, the mobile platform 100 includes a slurry intake module 104 arranged to connect to a source of slurry material. The source of slurry material may be provided by a thickening system 103, which processes the slurry material to increase its viscosity. Alternatively, the source of slurry may be provided by a storage pond or tailings dam 105. The tailings dam 105 may be remotely located. Alternatively, the source of slurry material may be located at a non-viable location for a permanent dewatering plant due to lack of power, space, suitable ground, and environment limitations, etc. The slurry intake module 104 may include at least one slurry receiving pipe 106 arranged to connect to an outlet pipe in connection with the CHPP or a pipe in connection with the tailings dam. The slurry material may be pumped from the CHPP or tailings dam through the outlet pipe and into the at least one slurry receiving pipe 106. The at least one slurry receiving pipe 106 may be formed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or a similar material. The slurry material may be arranged to flow along the at least one slurry receiving pipe 106 and be pumped into a slurry tank 108 using pump 110.

[059] In an embodiment, the mobile platform 100 may be arranged to receive the slurry material, separate the slurry material into the fluid and the solid material and dispose the solid material at the location. Alternatively, the mobile platform 100 may be arranged to receive the slurry material at a first location, retain the slurry material whilst travelling to a second location, where the mobile platform 100 then separates the slurry material into the fluid and the solid material and disposes the solid material at the second location.

[060] In an embodiment, the slurry intake module 104 may be in fluid communication with the dewatering module 102. The arrangement and number of dewatering modules 102 may take many forms as required by the operational demands of the CHPP or tailings dam. For example, the slurry intake module 104 may be in direct communication with a single dewatering module 102 as shown in Figures 8 to 11. Alternately, as shown in Figures 1 to 7, the slurry intake module 104 may be arranged in fluid communication with two dewatering modules 102. As such, the slurry intake module 104 may be arranged to have two slurry outlet ports 112, each slurry outlet port 112 with a pump 114 that pumps the slurry material to each dewatering module 102. That is, the at least one dewatering module may include two dewatering modules 102 arranged in parallel with one another. However, as would be understood by a person skilled in the art, an example of two dewatering modules 102 is merely provided to assist the skilled addressee in understanding the workings of the invention. As such, the skilled addressee would understand that such an example is taken as one that is non-limiting.

[061] In an embodiment, the mobile platform 100 includes a flocculation module 116, which is arranged to admix a clarifying agent to the slurry material along the fluid communication between the slurry intake module 104 and the dewatering modules 102. The flocculation module 116 may include a flocculent tank 118, an ancillary water tank 120 and a mixing tank 122. The flocculent tank 118 may include a clarifying agent (otherwise known as a flocculent, or a flocculating agent) that may be pumped into the mixing tank 122 by pump 124. A clarifying agent is a chemical that is added to a fluid in order to remove suspended solids from the fluid by inducing flocculation so that the suspended particles aggregate together forming a floc. The clarifying agent may be an anionic or cationic, emulsion or powdered, and/or natural or synthetic in accordance with the best suited clarifying agent in light of the chemical makeup of the slurry material. For example, the clarifying agent may include but not be limited to alum or polyacrylamide.

[062] The ancillary water tank 120 may be arranged to store ancillary water and be arranged in connection between a supply of ancillary water 126 and an ancillary water outlet 128. The ancillary water tank 120 may also include an overflow outlet 130. A pump 132 pumps the ancillary water from the ancillary water tank 120 into the mixing tank 122. Within the mixing tank 122 the flocculent and the ancillary water are mixed together using an agitator 134 until the flocculent is diluted to reach an ideal flocculent concentration. For example, the diluted flocculent may be introduced to the slurry material at 150 to 300 g/t. The diluted flocculent is pumped by pump 136 into at least one junction pipe 138 located between the slurry intake module 104 and the at least one dewatering module 102. Each of the at least one junction pipes 138 may include a butterfly valve 140 to regulate the flow of the diluted flocculent through each of the at least one junction pipes 138.

[063] Further, additional butterfly valves may be provided at numerous locations along pipes within the mobile platform 100 to regulate the flow of the various fluids and slurries pumped around the mobile platform 100. A number of example locations of butterfly valves are shown in Figures 5 and 11, where the example locations of the further butterfly valves

are indicated by their conventional symbol ).For the sake of brevity, these locations

will not be described in further detail over what is provided in the figures.

[064] In a further embodiment, each of the at least one dewatering modules 102 may include at least one aging tank 142 that enables the clarifying agent to enable flocculation of the slurry material. That is, the at least one aging tank 142 provides a reduction in the flow rate of slurry material to enable time for the floc to form. Moreover, the at least one dewatering module 102 may include at least one screw press 144. In an embodiment, the at least one aging tank 140 is connected in series with the at least one screw press 144, as shown best in Figure 4.

[065] As mentioned above and shown in the Figures, there is provided an example wherein the at least one dewatering module 144 may include two dewatering modules 102. In a further example, each of these dewatering modules 102 may include a pair of aging tanks 142 and screw presses 144. For example, within the pair of screw presses 144 and ageing tanks 142, each screw press 144 is connected in series to its respective ageing tank 142, but in parallel with another screw press 144 and ageing tank 142. Therefore, in the example shown, the mobile platform 100 includes two dewatering modules 102 arranged in parallel, wherein each of the dewatering modules 102 includes two screw presses 144 and aging tanks 142, wherein each of the screw presses 144 and respective aging tanks 142 are arranged in parallel with another. In other words, the mobile platform 100 includes four screw presses 144 and aging tanks 142.

[066] However, as would be understood by a person skilled in the art, an example of a pair of screw presses 144 and aging tanks 142 in each dewatering module 102 is merely provided to assist the skilled addressee in understanding the workings of the invention. As such, the skilled addressee would understand that such an example is taken as one that is non-limiting as described in alternate embodiments later in the specification.

[067] In an embodiment, the at least one screw press 144 includes a rotating helical surface arranged to separate the slurry material into a fluid and a solid material. The at least one screw press 144 uses continuous gravitational drainage to separate the slurry into its component fluid and solid materials. The rotating helical surface may be in the form of a screw and may be arranged to extend between a first end 146 of the at least one screw press 144 and a second end 148 of the at least one screw press 144, the first end 146 being arranged to receive the slurry material and the second end 148 being arranged to dispense the solid material. The at least one screw press 144 squeezes the dispensed solid material to remove any excess water from the solid material and to give the solid material cohesion and structuralintegrity.

[068] The at least one screw press 144 may further include a perforated cover encompassing the rotating helical surface where, the cover filters and collects the fluid. In other words, the helical surface is encompassed by a perforated housing that may act as a filter. The at least one screw press 144 uses the rotating helical surface to squeeze the slurry material against the perforated housing and the liquid is filtered through the perforated housing and collected. The rotating surface may be connected to a drive shaft extending the length of the at least one screw press 144, where the drive shaft is rotated by at least one motor 150. The at least one motor 150 may be configured to rotate the helical surface at a slow speed, for example at approximately 2 revolutions per minute and/or a throughput of 200 tonnes per hour.

[069] Ina further embodiment, the mobile platform 100 may include at least one conveyor. The at least one screw press 144 may be arranged to pass the solid material to at least one conveyor, via at least one chute 152 located proximate to the second end 148 of each of the at least one screw presses 144. The at least one chute 152 disposes the solid material into or onto the at least one conveyor. It would be understood by the skilled addressee that each screw press 144 would have at least one chute 152 through which to convey the solid material to the at least one conveyor.

[070] In an embodiment, the at least one conveyor may include multiple conveyors. For example, the at least one conveyor may include at least one screw conveyor 154, which may be arranged to convey the solid material from the at least one dewatering module 102 to a belt conveyor 156. In an example embodiment shown in the Figures, two screw conveyors 154 are provided. A screw conveyor, or auger conveyor, is a mechanism that uses a rotating helical screw blade, usually located within a tube, to move liquid or granular materials along the length of the tube. In the example provided, the screw blade of each of the screw conveyors 154 is arranged and rotated in such a way to move the solid material in opposite directions to one another. In other words, the screw conveyors 154 are arranged to move the solid material to a central location so as to be disposed onto the belt conveyor 156. The screw conveyors 154 may each be rotated by at least one motor, for example motor 158, and each of the two screw 154 conveyors may correspond to each of the two dewatering modules 102.

[071] In an embodiment, the belt conveyor 156 may be arranged to dispose the solid material into a tailings truck, a tailings dam, or a tailings dump. The belt conveyor 156 may be operated by motor 155. For example, referring to Figure 1, an embodiment is provided where the belt conveyor 156 may be arranged to dispose of the solid material into the container or open box bed 160 of a dump, tailings or tipper truck 162. Alternatively, referring to Figure 5, another embodiment is provided where the belt conveyor 156 may be arranged to dispose the solid material directly into a tailings dump 164 or dam. As can be seen in Figure 1, the angle of the belt conveyor 156 may be varied. For example, the variation may depend on whether the solid material is being disposed in a tailings truck, a tailings dam, or a tailings dump. The angle of the belt conveyor 156 may be varied by means of at least one hydraulic arm 157. For example, the belt conveyor 156 may be arranged at a large angle a° with respect to the ground where the solid material is disposed in a tailing truck 162 (as shown in Figure 1). Alternatively, the belt conveyor 156 may be arranged at a small angle a° with respect to the ground where the solid material is disposed in a tailing dump. Having the disposing end of the belt conveyor 156 close to the ground enables precise positioning of the solid material. Further, reducing the height at which the solid material is disposed reduces the spread of the solid material as it comes off the belt conveyor 156.

[072] In an embodiment, the at least one dewatering module 102 may be arranged in fluid communication with at least one fluid sump tank 166, the at least one fluid sump tank 166 being arranged to collect the fluid collected by the at least one screw press 144 for later reuse. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the mobile platform 100 may include two fluid sump tanks 166. The fluid collected within the fluid two sump tanks 166 may be pumped out of each of the two sump tanks 166 by a pump 158 and returned to the CHPP, the thickening system 103 or storage pond 105 via a fluid return outlet 170 for reuse and/or further processing. The return of the fluid to the CHPP, the thickening system 103 or storage pond 105 may occur at the location. Alternatively, the mobile platform 100 may retain the collected fluid whilst travelling to another location to return the fluid to the CHPP, the thickening system 103 or storage pond 105 at the another location.

[073] As aforementioned, the mobile platform 100 includes a drive assembly. The drive assembly describes a number of structures, devices, features or components that enable the mobile platform 100 to be mobile. That is, the drive assembly includes features that enable the mobile platform 100 to be moved from one location to another. In an embodiment, the drive assembly includes a chassis 172 to support a drivetrain module. The chassis 172 may include a frame supporting one or more pairs of continuous tracks 174, wherein the drivetrain module is arranged to drive the one or more pairs of continuous tracks 174 to the location where the solid material is to be disposed, or any other location travelled to by the mobile platform 100. In an embodiment, the drive assembly may include an electric generator 176. The electric generator 176 may be diesel powered drawing from a diesel tank 178. Alternatively, as would be understood by the person skilled in the art, the drive assembly may also include an internal combustion engine that uses a combustible fuel source to operate an engine in a conventional manner to move the mobile platform 100 between locations, such as but not limited to a diesel engine.

[074] In an embodiment, the electric generator 176 may be arranged to power a plurality of pumps, provided to the mobile platform 100, the plurality of pumps being arranged to enable the flow of the slurry material and the fluid around the mobile platform 100 and between the various parts of the mobile platform 100. Further, the electric generator 176 may be arranged to power a plurality of motors that drive the various pumps, screw presses and conveyors arranged on the mobile platform 100. The plurality of pumps and the plurality of motors make a collective reference to the pumps and motors as individually described in the specification.

[075] Further, the electric generator 174 may be arranged to power 176 the drivetrain module so that the drivetrain module drives the one or more pairs of continuous tracks 174 to the location, or any other location travelled to by the mobile platform 100. The mobile platform 100 may further include a control room 177 that enables an operator to drive the mobile platform 100 between locations. The control room 177 may include conventional driving interfaces such as a steering wheels, gear changing interface, acceleration and brake pedals arranged proximate to a seat in which the operator sits. The control room 177 may also include visual tools, such as windows and video camera feeds from around and on the mobile platform 100 to enable the operator to drive and operate the mobile platform 100 with full awareness of the surrounding environment. Further the mobile platform may include a motor control centre 178, which is arranged to control the operation of and supply of power to the plurality of motors and the drivetrain module, as operated by the operator in the control room 177.

[076] In an embodiment, the mobile platform 100 may be arranged to provide a structure including two or more levels. The example as provided in the Figures 1 to 7 shows the mobile platform 100 having three levels as defined by an upper frame 180, a middle frame 182 and a lower frame 184.

[077] As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the relative arrangements of the various modules and components of the mobile platform 100 are arranged to support the operation and stability of the mobile platform 100. For example, the upper frame 180 may be arranged to include the at least one dewatering module 144 and the lower frame 184 may be arranged to include the at least one fluid sump 166. This enables for the fluid separated from the slurry material to be gravity fed into the at least one fluid sump 166. It also results in the at least one fluid sump 166 being arranged in a way to ensure that the centre of mass of the mobile platform 100 remains sufficiently low to prevent flipping the mobile platform 100. As shown, each of the two fluid sumps 166 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the mobile platform 100. This means that the arrangement of each of the fluid sump 166 balances the mass of the mobile platform 100 and the space between the fluid sumps 166 accommodates the diesel tank 178. Moreover, the lower frame 184 may be arranged to include the chassis 172 to provide sufficient support to the mobile platform 100 and enable the drivetrain to drive the one or more pairs of continuous tracks 174 to the location.

[078] Further, the middle frame 182 may be arranged to include the slurry intake module 104 to enable ease of access to the CHPP tailings outlet pipe. Further, the slurry tank 108 may be provided in the centre of the mobile platform 100 to ensure that the centre of mass of the mobile platform 100 remains sufficiently low to prevent flipping the mobile platform 100.

[079] In a further embodiment, the mobile platform 100 may include various structures or devices to make it safe for operators to move around the mobile platform 100 in use or during maintenance. For example, the mobile platform 100 may include at least one pair of fixed stairs 186 that enable operators to move between the upper frame 180 and the middle frame 182. Although only one of the pair of fixed stairs 186 is shown, the person skilled in the art would understand that any number of stairs may be used to enable safe movement between the levels of the mobile platform 100.

[080] Further, referring specifically to Figures 2 and 3, the mobile platform 100 may include at least one pair of retractable stairs 188 that enable operators to move between the middle frame 182 and the ground. The retractable stairs 188 may be extended into an operational state 190 where the operators may use the stairs for access. The retractable stairs

188 may also be retracted into a stowed state 192 for when the mobile platform 100 is being moved to the location. In the stowed state 192, the retractable stairs 188 may provide a safety barrier to prevent the operator from falling off the mobile platform 100.

[081] Further, the mobile platform may include various fixed safety rails 194 arranged proximate to the edge of the upper frame 180 and the middle frame 182 to provide a safety barrier to prevent the operator from falling off the mobile platform 100.

[082] As would be understood by a person skilled in the art, the layout of the mobile platform with the upper frame 180, middle frame 182 and lower frame 184 is merely provided to assist the skilled addressee in understanding the workings of the invention. For example, the flocculation module 166 is shown as provided on the middle frame 182, but could easily be incorporated on the upper frame 180. Further, the particular positioning of each of the parts of the mobile platform 100 within each frame may also be varied. For example, the positions of the electric generator 176 and the control module 178 may be switched. As such, the skilled addressee would understand that the example arrangement provided is taken as one that is non-limiting, as evidenced by the alternate embodiment provide below.

[083] Referring to Figures 8 to 11, there is provided another embodiment of an assembly for dewatering a slurry material, the assembly comprising an alternate arrangement of the mobile platform 100. In this embodiment, the mobile platform 100 may comprise a drive assembly and at least one dewatering module 102 arranged to separate the slurry material into a fluid and a solid material. The mobile platform 100 may be arranged to travel to a location and at the location the dewatering module 102 is arranged to separate the slurry material into the fluid and the solid material, wherein the mobile platform 100 collects the fluid for reuse and disposes of the solid material at the location. Collection for reuse may include collecting the fluid and eventually pumping the fluid back to raw water storage facilities for reuse by the CHPP.

[084] In an embodiment, the mobile platform 100 connects to the slurry intake module 104 that is provided at the location and wherein the slurry intake module 104 is arranged to include a source of slurry material. In other words, the slurry intake module 104 is provided separately to the mobile platform 100.

[085] The source of slurry material may be provided by the aforementioned thickening system 103, storage pond or tailings dam 105. Alternatively, the source of slurry may be located at a non-viable location for a permanent dewatering plant due to lack of power, space, suitable ground, and environment limitations, etc. The slurry intake module 104 may include at least one slurry receiving pipe 106 arranged to connect to an outlet pipe in connection with the CHPP or a pipe in connection with a tailing dam. The slurry material may be pumped from the CHPP or tailings dam through the outlet pipe and into the at least one slurry receiving pipe 106. The at least one slurry receiving pipe 106 may be formed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or a similar material. The slurry material may be arranged to flow along the at least one slurry receiving pipe 106 and be pumped into slurry tank 108 using pump 110.

[086] In an embodiment, the slurry intake module 104 provided separately to the mobile platform 100 may be arranged to be connected to the dewatering module 102, and thus, when so connected, slurry intake module 104 may be arranged in in fluid communication with the dewatering module 102. The arrangement and number of dewatering modules 102 may take many forms as required by the operational demands of the CHPP or tailings dam. For example as shown, the slurry intake module 104 may be in direct communication with a single dewatering module 102. As such, the slurry intake module 104 may be arranged to have a single slurry outlet port 112 with the pump 114 arranged to pump the slurry material to the dewatering module 102.

[087] In an embodiment, the mobile platform 100 further includes the flocculation module 116, which is arranged to admix the clarifying agent provided through inlet 119 to the slurry material along the fluid communication between the slurry intake module 104 and the dewatering module 102. The flocculation module 116 may include the flocculent tank 118, the ancillary water tank 120 and the mixing tank 122. The flocculent tank 118 may contain the clarifying agent, where the clarifying agent may be pumped into the mixing tank 122 by pump 124.

[088] The ancillary water tank 120 may be arranged in connection between the supply of ancillary water 126 and the ancillary water outlet 128. The ancillary water tank 120 may also include the overflow outlet 130. The pump 132 is arranged to pump the ancillary water from the ancillary water tank 120 into the mixing tank 122. Within the mixing tank 122 the flocculent and the ancillary water are mixed together using agitator 134 until the flocculent is diluted to reach an ideal flocculent concentration. For example, the diluted flocculent may be introduced to the slurry material at 150 to 300 g/t. The diluted flocculent is pumped by pump 136 into at least one junction pipe 138 located between the slurry intake module 104 and the at least one dewatering module 102. The junction pipe 138 may include a butterfly valve 140 to regulate the flow of the diluted flocculent through each of the at least one junction pipes 138.

[089] As above, additional butterfly valves may be provided at numerous locations along pipes within the mobile platform 100 to regulate the flow of the various fluids and slurries pumped around the mobile platform 100. A number of example locations of butterfly valves are shown in Figure 11, where the example locations of the further butterfly valves are

indicated by their conventional symbol (I). For the sake of brevity, these locations will

not be described in further detail over what is provided in the figures.

[090] In a further embodiment, each of the at least one dewatering modules 102 may include the at least one screw press 144. That is, the present embodiment does not include the aforementioned aging tank. In an embodiment, the at least one screw press 144 includes a rotating helical surface arranged to separate the slurry material into a fluid and a solid material. The rotating helical surface may be in the form of a screw and may be arranged to extend between a first end 146 of the at least one screw press 144 and a second end 148 of the at least one screw press 144, the first end 146 being arranged to receive the slurry material and the second end 148 being arranged to dispense the solid material.

[091] The at least one screw press 144 may further include the perforated cover encompassing the rotating helical surface where, the cover filters and collects the fluid. In other words, the helical surface is encompassed by a perforated housing that acts as a filter. The at least one screw press 144 uses the rotating helical surface to squeeze the slurry material against the perforated housing and the liquid is filtered through the perforated housing and collected. The rotating surface may be connected to a drive shaft extending the entire length of the at least one screw press 144, where the drive shaft is rotated by the at least one motor 150. The at least one motor 150 may be configured to rotate the helical surface at a slow speed, for example at approximately 2 revolutions per minute and/or a throughput of 50 tonnes per hour.

[092] Ina further embodiment, the mobile platform 100 may include at least one conveyor. The at least one screw press 144 may be arranged to pass the solid material to at least one conveyor, via the at least one chute 152 located proximate to the second end 148 of each of the at least one screw presses 144. The at least one chute 152 disposes the solid material into the at least one conveyor.

[093] In an embodiment, the at least one conveyor may include the belt conveyor 156. The belt conveyor 156 may be arranged to dispose the solid material into a tailings truck, a tailings dam, or a tailings dump. The belt conveyor 156 may be operated by motor 155, and may be arranged to dispose of the solid material into the container or open box bed 160 of a dump, tailings or tipper truck 162 as described above. Alternatively, referring to Figure 8, another embodiment is provided where the belt conveyor 156 may be arranged to dispose the solid material directly into a tailings dump 164 or dam. Collectively, the areas, such as the tailings dump 164 or dam, into which the solid material may be disposed of may be referred to as a "co-disposal dump".

[094] As can be seen in Figure 1, the angle of the belt conveyor 156 may be varied depending on whether the solid material is being disposed in a tailings truck, a tailings dam, or a tailings dump. The angle of the belt conveyor 156 may be varied by means of hydraulic arm 157. For example, the belt conveyor 156 may be arranged at a large angle a° with respect to the ground where the solid material is disposed onto the top of the tailings dump 164 (as shown in Figure 8).

[095] In an embodiment, the at least one dewatering module 102 may be arranged in fluid communication with the at least one fluid sump tank 166, where the at least one fluid sump tank 166 is arranged to collect the fluid collected by the at least one screw press 144 for later reuse. The fluid collected within sump tank 166 may be pumped out by pump 158 and returned to the CHPP, the thickening system 103 or storage pond 105 via the fluid return outlet 170 for reuse and/or further processing. The return of the fluid to the CHPP, the thickening system 103 or storage pond 105 may occur at the location. Alternatively, the mobile platform 100 may retain the collected fluid whilst travelling to another location to return the fluid to the CHPP, the thickening system 103 or storage pond 105 at the another location.

[096] As aforementioned, the mobile platform 100 includes a drive assembly. The drive assembly describes a number of structures, devices, features or components that enable the mobile platform 100 to be mobile. That is, the drive assembly includes features that enable the mobile platform 100 to be moved from one location to another. In an embodiment, the drive assembly includes a chassis 172 to support a drivetrain module. The chassis 172 may include a frame to support the one or more pairs of continuous tracks 174, wherein the drivetrain module is arranged to drive the one or more pairs of continuous tracks 174 to the location where the solid material is to be disposed, or any other location travelled to by the mobile platform 100. In an embodiment, the drive assembly may include the electric generator 176. The electric generator 176 may be diesel powered drawing from a diesel tank provided to the mobile platform 100. Alternatively, as would be understood by the person skilled in the art, the drive assembly may also include an internal combustion engine that uses a combustible fuel source to operate an engine in a conventional manner to move the mobile platform 100 between locations, such as but not limited to a diesel engine.

[097] In an embodiment, the electric generator 176 may also be arranged to power a plurality of pumps, provided to the mobile platform 100, the plurality of pumps being arranged to enable the flow of the slurry material and the fluid around the mobile platform 100 and between the various parts of the mobile platform 100. Further, the electric generator 176 may be arranged to power a plurality of motors that drive the various pumps, screw presses and conveyors arranged on the mobile platform 100. The plurality of pumps and the plurality of motors make a collective reference to the pumps and motors as individually described in the specification.

[098] Further, the electric generator 174 may be arranged to power 176 the drivetrain module so that the drivetrain module drives the one or more pairs of continuous tracks 174 to the location, or any other location travelled to by the mobile platform 100. The mobile platform 100 may further include the control room 177 that enables an operator to drive the mobile platform 100 between locations. The control room 177 may include conventional driving interfaces such as a steering wheels, gear changing interface, acceleration and brake pedals arranged proximate to a seat in which the operator sits. The control room 177 may also include visual tools, such as windows and video camera feeds from around and on the mobile platform 100 to enable the operator to drive and operate the mobile platform 100 with full awareness of the surrounding environment. Further the mobile platform 100 may include a motor control centre 179, which is arranged to control the operation of and supply of power to the plurality of motors and the drivetrain module, as operated by the operator in the control room 177.

[099] In an embodiment, the mobile platform 100 may be arranged to provide a structure including two or more levels. The example as provided in Figure 8 shows the mobile platform 100 having two levels as defined by an upper frame 180 and a lower frame 184.

[0100] For example, the upper frame 180 may be arranged to include the at least one dewatering module 144 and the lower frame 184 may be arranged to include the at least one fluid sump 166. This enables for the fluid separated from the slurry material to be gravity fed into the at least one fluid sump 166. It also results in the at least one fluid sump 166 being arranged in a way to ensure that the centre of mass of the mobile platform 100 remains sufficiently low to prevent flipping the mobile platform 100. Moreover, the lower frame 184 may be arranged to include the chassis 172 to provide sufficient support to the mobile platform 100 and enable the drivetrain to drive the one or more pairs of continuous tracks 174 to the location.

[0101] In a further embodiment, the mobile platform 100 may include various structures or devices to make it safe for operators to move around the mobile platform 100 in use or during maintenance. For example, the mobile platform 100 may include the at least one pair of retractable stairs 188 that enable operators to move between the upper frame 180 and the ground. The retractable stairs 188 may be extended into the operational state 190 where the operators may use the stairs for access. The retractable stairs 188 may also be retracted into a stowed state 192 for when the mobile platform 100 is being moved to the location. Further, the mobile platform may include various fixed safety rails 194 arranged proximate to the edge of the upper frame 180 and the middle frame 182 to provide a safety barrier to prevent the operator from falling off the mobile platform 100.

[0102] In a further embodiment, there is provided a method of dewatering a slurry material, using a mobile platform 100, where the mobile platform 100 comprises a drive assembly and at least one dewatering module 102, where the slurry material may be a slurry tailings material as described above. The method may comprise the following steps.

[0103] Firstly, a user may use the drive assembly to move the mobile platform 100 to a location, for example, proximate to a tailings dam. The location may be remote or be a non viable location for a permanent dewatering plant. The tailings dam may contain the slurry tailings material. The drive assembly enables the user to drive the mobile platform 100 in an on-board fashion, as one would drive a car or truck, or remote fashion by means of a remote control or other such arrangement.

[0104] The mobile platform 100 may be arranged to receive the slurry material from the tailings dam. This may occur through pumping the slurry material into the slurry intake module 104 included as part of the mobile platform 100.

[0105] The flocculation module 116 may be arranged to add a clarifying agent to the slurry tailings material, where flocculation of the slurry tailing material using the clarifying agent may be facilitated by the at least one aging tank 142.

[0106] Further, the at least one dewatering module 102 may be arranged to separate the slurry tailings material into a fluid and a solid material, wherein the mobile platform 100 disposes of the solid material and collects the fluid for reuse.

[0107] In an embodiment, the mobile platform 100 may further include at least one conveyor, such as a screw and/or belt conveyor, wherein the step of disposing the solid material further comprises disposing the solid material by means of the at least one conveyor. Further, the at least one conveyor may be arranged to dispose the solid material into a dump truck or a co-disposal dump.

[0108] In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "front" and "rear", "above" and "below" and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0109] Optional embodiments may also be said to broadly include the parts, elements, steps and/or features referred to or indicated herein, individually or in any combination of two or more of the parts, elements, steps and/or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0110] Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that modifications, changes, substitutions or alterations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0111] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprised", "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0112] As used herein, a, an, the, at least one, and one or more are used interchangeably, and refer to one or to more than one (i.e. at least one) of the grammatical object. By way of example, "an element" means one element, at least one element, or one or more elements.

[0113] In the context of this specification, the term "about" is understood to refer to a range of numbers that a person of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value in the context of achieving the same function or result.

Advantages

[0114] The embodiments described herein provide a novel means of processing slurry into its component fluid and solid components using a robust and flexible mobile platform. The mobile platform provides a complete solution that receives slurry and produces a sufficiently dry product to successfully dispose via direct placement and the water collected by the slurry is recycled and returned to use instead of being slowly evaporated.

[0115] Further, the embodiment described enables safe operation during wet conditions and avoids double handling, using efficient means of transport to the final placement location that reduces the aforementioned safety risks associated with moving and disposing of wet tailings or improperly placing dry tailings.

[0116] The embodiments described provide an efficient means of transporting slurry material to the final placement location via HDPE pipes and pumps. That is, the embodiments remove any need for truck haulage and the associated road maintenance and risks. Further the embodiments also reduce the need for manning and has no issues operating in wet weather conditions and there is no need for alignment of utilisation with CHPP.

[0117] The embodiments described herein provide a mobile solution to other sites, locations, dumps, or pits, which may be varied to suit changing site demands. As such, a flexible apparatus is provided within the dump as existing dumping operations are not impacted, nor are geotechnical constraints compromised. Therefore, the embodiments described provide an apparatus suitable for use with existing dump operations. Moreover, as the mobile platform is independent of the CHPP and other mining functions, the embodiments described remove the dependency for production utilisation.

The following claims or points describe various embodiments or aspects:

1. An assembly for dewatering a slurry material, the assembly comprising a mobile platform, said mobile platform comprising; a drive assembly; and at least one dewatering module arranged to separate the slurry material into a fluid and a solid material.

2. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 1, wherein the mobile platform is arranged to connect to a slurry intake module in fluid communication with a source of slurry material.

3. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 1, wherein the mobile platform includes a slurry intake module arranged to connect to a source of slurry material.

4. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 2 or 3, wherein the source of slurry material is a remotely located tailings dam.

5. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 3 or 4, wherein the slurry intake module is arranged in fluid communication with the at least one dewatering module.

6. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 5, wherein the mobile platform includes a flocculation module.

7. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 6, wherein the flocculation module is arranged to admix a clarifying agent to the slurry material between the slurry intake module and the dewatering module.

8. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 7, wherein the dewatering module includes at least one aging tank that enables the clarifying agent to enable flocculation of the slurry material.

9. The mobile platform in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one dewatering module includes at least one screw press.

10. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 9, wherein the at least one screw press includes two screw presses arranged in parallel with one another.

11. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 9 when dependant on claim 8, wherein the at least one aging tank is connected in series with the at least one screw press.

12. The mobile platform in accordance with any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the at least one screw press includes a rotating helical surface arranged to separate the slurry material into the fluid and the solid material.

13. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 12, wherein the screw press includes a perforated cover encompassing the rotating helical surface that filters and collects the fluid.

14. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 12 or 13, wherein the rotating helical surface is arranged to extend between a first end of the at least one screw press and a second end of the at least one screw press, the first end being arranged to receive the slurry material and the second end being arranged to dispense the solid material.

15. The mobile platform in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one dewatering module is in fluid communication with at least one fluid sump tank, the at least one fluid sump tank being arranged to collect the fluid.

16. The mobile platform in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one dewatering module includes two dewatering modules arranged in parallel with one another.

17. The mobile platform in accordance with anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the solid material is dispensed from the at least one dewatering module to at least one conveyor.

18. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 17, wherein the at least one conveyor includes at least one screw conveyor and at least one belt conveyor, the at least one screw conveyor being arranged to convey the solid material from the at least one dewatering module to the at least one belt conveyor.

19. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 18 wherein the at least one belt conveyor is arranged to dispose of the solid material into a tailings truck, a tailings dam, or a tailings stockpile.

20. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 17, wherein the at least one conveyor includes at least one belt conveyor, the at least one belt conveyor a being arranged to receive the solid material from the at least one dewatering module and dispose of the solid material into a tailings truck, a tailings dam, or a tailings stockpile.

21. The mobile platform in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive assembly includes a chassis to support a drivetrain module.

22. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 21, wherein the chassis includes one or more pairs of continuous tracks, wherein the drivetrain module is arranged to drive the one or more pairs of continuous tracks.

23. The mobile platform in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile platform includes an electric generator.

24. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 23, wherein the electric generator powers a plurality of pumps provided to the mobile platform, the plurality of pumps being arranged to enable the movement of the slurry material and the fluid around the mobile platform.

25. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 24 when dependant on claim 21, wherein the electric generator powers the drivetrain module.

26. The mobile platform in accordance any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile platform includes an upper frame, the upper frame arranged to include the at least one dewatering module.

27. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 3, wherein the mobile platform includes a middle frame, the middle frame arranged to include the slurry intake module.

28. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 15, wherein the mobile platform includes a lower frame, the lower frame arranged to include the at least one fluid sump tank.

29. The mobile platform in accordance with claim 21 or 22, wherein the mobile platform includes a lower frame, the lower frame arranged to include the chassis.

30. A method of dewatering a slurry tailings material using a mobile platform, the mobile platform comprising a drive assembly and at least one dewatering module, the method comprising the steps of: using the drive assembly to move the mobile platform to a location proximate to a source of the slurry tailings material; arranging the mobile platform to receive the slurry tailings material from the source of the slurry tailings material; adding a clarifying agent to the slurry tailings material; aging the slurry tailings material to enable flocculation; dewatering the slurry tailings material using the at least one dewatering module, at least one dewatering module arranged to separate the slurry tailings material into a fluid and a solid material; and disposing the solid material and collecting the fluid for reuse.

31. The method in accordance with claim 30, wherein the mobile platform further includes at least one conveyor, wherein the step of disposing the solid material further comprises disposing the solid material by means of the at least one conveyor.

32. The method in accordance with claim 31, wherein the at least one conveyor being arranged to dispose the solid material into a tailings truck, a tailings dam, or a tailings stockpile.

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