Control system and an adaptive electrokinetic dewatering system incorporating same for dewatering tailings

Abstract

An adaptive electrokinetic dewatering system for dewatering slurry and soil deposits, including tailings deposits and a control system therefor. The control system automatically determines an optimal applied power specification, including sets of power parameters to be applied to the deposit being dewatered and when to apply each set of power parameters during the electrokinetic dewatering process. Furthermore, the control system automatically adjusts the applied power specification throughout the course of the dewatering process to account for the changing properties of the deposit. The control system determines the applied power specifications and adjustments to be made to them by simulating the electrokinetic dewatering process using a simulator which incorporates the latest measurements of the electrical, physical and chemical properties of the deposit being dewatered. The control system uses the simulator to forecast the dewatering performances of alternative applied power specifications and selects and applies the alternative applied power specification having a forecast dewatering performance that satisfies one or more switching criteria set by an operator.