Experimental and rheological modelling on the stabilization of iron ore slurry using a biosurfactant extracted from Aloe barbadensis Miller

Abstract

The pipeline transportation of iron ore slurry (IOS) is an eco-friendly alternate mode to transport the raw materials to longer distance and reduce the transportation network congestion problems. Proper selection of surfactant could modify mineral’s viscosity, dispersion and wetting characteristics effectively as may be desired, which may further be monitored. A surfactant alters surface characteristics after being adsorbed onto minerals by altering the interfacial behaviour. This work is first report of the influence of a biosurfactant sourced from Aloe barbadensis Miller on the rheological behaviour of a high-grade iron ore (IO) sample at 45–72% by mass slurry concentrations range. The observed rheological parameters confirmed the non-Newtonian flow behaviour of the slurry. The collected IO and dried IOS samples were subjected to UV-Vis, XRF, PSD, XRD, SEM and EDS analyses. Experimental rheological data at varying concentrations was tested on various models to ascertain the best-fit rheological model for IOS transport. The Bingham model was found to be the most suitable to model the rheology of IOS. Experimental rheological behaviour of IOS was found to be linear with the yield stress. The study shall help to ascertain the suitability of a biosurfactant to stabilise high grade iron ores for pipeline transportation.

KEY WORDS: Iron ore slurry, Aloe barbadensis, Rheological measurements, Rheological modelling

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(3), 615-629.                                                              

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i3.6