The Client is a big Group having one of the most important Alumina Refineries in North America using the Bayer Process by leaching the bauxite ore with caustic soda. The generated waste is a slurry called “Red Mud”. The Red Mud, containing caustic soda, was pumped to big tailings ponds where it was stored for years in a semi-liquid phase.
The capacity of the ponds was going to be saturated in about few years and this was a potential threat for the future operation of the refinery.
It was necessary to adopt an alternative method for the red mud management considering the limited availability of space for the disposal of the material.
The dewatering with filterpress was the preferred one mainly for the following reasons:
- Highest dewatering level (cake dryness >73%).
- Lower risks for the environment and the surrounding community.
- Reduced footprint of the disposal area.
- Maximum recovery of caustic soda.
Year: 2017
Country: Canada
N° and machinery model employed: n. 4 GHT.2500.F18 MEM Diemme® Filtration