Abstract
Long-term sedimentation tests were carried out in order to evaluate the effects of solid concentration and dispersant dosage on the sedimentation behavior of alumina slurries. The sedimentation behavior of slurry was observed by using a digital camera for over sixth months. As a result, it was found that the sedimentation behavior of slurry with a dispersant can be classified into four patterns on the basis of the interface formation between supernatant and dense slurry layer in the early stage of sedimentation. Furthermore, a concentration inversion and lean layers were formed from the middle stage of settling in the slurries which did not show a clear interface in the early stage sedimentation. The packing characteristic of slurry was significantly changed at a solid concentration between 10 and 20vol%.
