Rheomax DR-1030 and Rheomax DR-105 are specialty anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) flocculants designed primarily by Solvay for high-efficiency solid–liquid separation in the mining industry. They belong to Solvay’s Rheomax® Dry Flocculant & Rheology Modifier Series, which are widely used in tailings treatment, thickening, clarification, and water recovery operations. Their engineered molecular structure delivers exceptional floc formation, improved settling rates, and high water release, making them ideal for operations requiring improved throughput and lower operating costs.

Below are the main application areas and functional benefits of Rheomax DR-1030 and DR-105.

1. Tailings Management and Dewatering

The most common and important application of Rheomax DR-1030 and Rheomax DR-105 is tailings dewatering in mining operations.

Used in:

• Iron ore tailings

• Copper tailings

• Gold tailings

• Coal tailings

• Bauxite / red mud (alumina processing)

• Industrial mineral tailings (phosphate, potash, lithium, titanium, etc.)

Function:

• Promote rapid flocculation of fine particles

• Increase settling rate of suspended solids

• Produce a compact, high-density underflow

• Reduce moisture in tailings discharge

• Improve stackability in dry stacking operations

• Minimize environmental footprint and water loss

Rheomax DR-1030 and DR-105 are specifically designed to handle ultrafine particles common in modern mineral processing, providing strong, shear-resistant flocs.

2. Thickening Processes in Mineral Processing

Rheomax DR-1030 and DR-105 are widely used as primary flocculants in thickeners, which are essential for solid–liquid separation before filtration or water recycling.

Applications:

• Concentrate thickening

• Tailings thickening

• Counter-current decantation (CCD) circuits

• Clarifier-thickener units

Benefits:

• Faster settling of solids in the thickener tank

• Reduced turbidity in overflow water

• Increased underflow density

• Improved throughput and thickener performance

• Lower energy consumption in downstream filtration

These polymers are optimized for systems where high underflow density and clear overflow are required.

3. Clarification of Process Water

In many mining operations, water must be clarified and recycled. Rheomax DR-1030 and DR-105 help purify water contaminated with fine suspended particles (slimes, clay, silt, colloids).

Applications:

• Mine water clarification

• Recycled water treatment

• Clarification of process water from washing or grinding

• Raw water purification before use in the plant

Benefits:

• Produces clear, low-turbidity overflow

• Enhances water recovery and reuse

• Reduces consumption of fresh water

• Improves operational sustainability

The ability to release clear water quickly is one of the reasons these products are preferred in large mines.

4. Slurry Rheology Modification

Rheomax DR-1030 and DR-105 also function as rheology modifiers. They can change the flow behavior of slurries, especially those containing ultrafine minerals.

Applications:

• Transport of tailings slurry

• Pipeline pumping optimization

• Thickener feed dilution systems

Functional improvements:

• Reduced slurry viscosity

• Improved pumpability

• Lower pipeline pressure losses

• Increased process efficiency

This rheology modification helps mining companies reduce energy costs and improve equipment performance.

5. Enhanced Settling in High-Throughput Plants

Modern mines require very fast solid–liquid separation because processing plants operate at high throughput. These polymers are specifically engineered for:

• Very rapid floc formation

• Excellent shear resistance (flocs do not break easily)

• Good performance under turbulent feed conditions

This makes them suitable for operations with high solids loading or rapid slurry movement.

6. Filtration Aid in Concentrates and Tailings

Rheomax DR-1030 and DR-105 can act as filtration aids for both concentrates and tailings, improving filter performance.

Benefits:

• Lower cake moisture

• Higher filtration rate

• Improved filter cloth cleaning

• Reduced cycle time for pressure or vacuum filters

Filtration improvement is especially valuable in iron ore, coal, gold, and mineral sands processing.

7. Environmental and Water Management Benefits

Using Rheomax DR-1030 and DR-105 enhances environmental performance by:

• Reducing tailings dam water content

• Lowering risk of seepage and failure

• Minimizing footprint of tailings storage

• Increasing water recycling and reducing freshwater demand

Their use supports sustainable mining operations.

Comparison Between Rheomax DR-1030 and DR-105

The exact selection depends on the mineralogy, solids concentration, and target separation performance.

Rheomax DR-1030 and DR-105 are applied in:

1. Tailings thickening and dewatering

2. Mineral concentrate thickening

3. Process water clarification

4. CCD circuits in gold/copper processing

5. Slurry rheology modification

6. Filtration improvement

7. Tailings dry stacking

8. General solid–liquid separation in mining plants