Chemical studies on the flocculation of argillaceous slurries

An investigation of the problems encountered with the flocculation and dewaterlng of coal washery tailings was carried out. This investigation encompassed a study of the ion exchange rates and pro- perties of coal tailings with respect to the Ca2+ ion. It was found that ion exchange was very rapid in normal tailings although different behaviour was encountered when clay derived from the decomposition of igneous dykes was mixed with the tailings.