Response of Floc Networks in Cemented Paste Backfill to a Pumping Agent

Cemented paste backfill is critical for the development of green mines, the safe exploitation of mineral resources deep underground, and the efficient disposal of solid wastes produced by mining. In this paper, the mechanism underpinning how the pumping agent works was studied. The number, area, and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Metals (Basel ) 2021-12, Vol.11 (12), p.1906
Main Authors: Zhu, Jiaqi, Wu, Shunchuan, Cheng, Haiyong, Geng, Xiaojie, Liu, Jin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
cemented paste backfill
Disintegration
ESEM
floc networks
Fractal geometry
Image processing
Lubricants & lubrication
Microstructure
Mineral processing
Mineral resources
Mining
Networks
Particle size
picture processing
pipeline transportation
Pipelines
Pore size
Porosity
Pumping
pumping agent
Reagents
Rheological properties
Rheology
Sand & gravel
Self-similarity
Solid wastes
Underground mines
Yield stress
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Summary:Cemented paste backfill is critical for the development of green mines, the safe exploitation of mineral resources deep underground, and the efficient disposal of solid wastes produced by mining. In this paper, the mechanism underpinning how the pumping agent works was studied. The number, area, and fractal dimension of pores in the microstructure of fresh paste were quantitatively analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), image processing, and fractal theory, and the response of flocs was investigated. The results show that floc networks disintegrated and the liquid network became the dominant structure under the action of the pumping agent, which enhanced the lubrication and promotion of multi-scale particles. In addition, the force chains became fragile and scattered, diminishing the yield stress of the paste. The pores had a more homogenized dimension and the porosity was 15.52% higher. The increase in the fractal dimension of the pores indicated that there was a higher self-similarity, in terms of microstructure, with a strengthened liquid network. The migration of floc structures contributed to the enhancement of the fluidity and rheology of the paste. This study provides insights into the effects of floc and liquid networks on the performance of paste, and it is of engineering significance in terms of realizing safe and efficient CPB operations.
ISSN:2075-4701
2075-4701
DOI:10.3390/met11121906