Modeling of Settling Rate of Coal Fine Tailings using 3D Response Surface Methodology

In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to analyze the settling behavior of coal fine tailings using an anionic flocculant within the workable range of pH and pulp density. Box-Behnken design of experiments coupled with response surface methodology was employed to analyze the settling rate of particles and the turbidity of the supernatant liquid. Influence of the variables on the settling rate and the turbidity of the supernatant liquid has been presented and discussed through 3D surface plots. The settling rate was found to be more sensitive to the flocculant dose followed by pH and feed pulp density. Turbidity of the supernatant liquid was found to be more sensitive to the flocculant dosage followed by pulp density and the pH. Coefficient of correlation (R-2) between the experimental and the predicted values of the settling rate and the turbidity of the supernatant liquid were found to be 0.97 and 0.99, respectively.