University of Oulu

Ruuska, J., Nikula, R., Ruhanen, E., Kauppi, J., Kauvosaari, S., & Kosonen, M. (2020). Data analysis of a paste thickener, Open Engineering, 10(1), 362-367. doi: https://doi.org/10.1515/eng-2020-0038

Data analysis of a paste thickener

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Author: Ruuska, Jari1; Nikula, Riku-Pekka1; Ruhanen, Eemeli2;
Organizations: 1University of Oulu, Control Engineering
2Yara Suomi Oy, Siilinjärv iMill
3Outotec (Finland) Oy
Format: article
Version: published version
Access: open
Online Access: PDF Full Text (PDF, 0.7 MB)
Persistent link: http://urn.fi/urn:nbn:fi-fe2020070847163
Language: English
Published: De Gruyter, 2020
Publish Date: 2020-07-08
Description:

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.

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Series: Open engineering
ISSN: 2391-5439
ISSN-E: 2391-5439
ISSN-L: 2391-5439
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 362 - 367
DOI: 10.1515/eng-2020-0038
OADOI: https://oadoi.org/10.1515/eng-2020-0038
Type of Publication: A1 Journal article – refereed
Field of Science: 213 Electronic, automation and communications engineering, electronics
222 Other engineering and technologies
Subjects:
Copyright information: © 2020 J. Ruuska et al., published by De Gruyter. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Public License. BY 4.0.
  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/