Hugh Aure Reid

US Patent:

40651053, Dec 27, 1977

Filed:

Sep 17, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/724364

Inventors:

Guy W. Lussiez - Golden CO
Hugh F. Reid - Union City CA

Assignee:

Amax Inc. - Greenwich CT

International Classification:

B01F 716
B01F 900

US Classification:

366348

Abstract:

Process and means are provided for reducing the viscosity of a work hardened slurry of finely divided ore having a pulp density of at least 15% by weight of solids, the process comprising, gently mechanically agitating a mass of said work hardened slurry confined in a container whereby to cause relative movement between said mass and a contacting surface such that said mass is subjected to shear forces, the relative movement being at a linear velocity sufficient to provide shear forces in said agitated mass in contact with the surface effective for reducing the viscosity to a desired level more than 50% below the original viscosity, and continuing said agitation at substantially said linear velocity until the viscosity has been reduced to said desired level. A rotating drum or a container with a stirring device may be employed for carrying out the invention.