Study on influence of slurry temperature on the flow performance of ultrafine tailings backfill slurry.

Purpose: As the depth of underground metal mining increases,the temperature underground continually rises. This study aims to investigate the impact of temperature variations on the flowability of ultrafine tailings backfill slurry, with the goal of optimizing the design and operation of backfill systems. Methods: The effects of temperature changes on slurry flow characteristics were analyzed through rheological experiments and numerical simulations. Additionally,the influence of pipeline diameter and inlet flow rate on the flow characteristics of ultrafine tailings slurry was studied in conjunction with engineering requirements. Results and Conclusion; The rheological properties of ultrafine tailings backfill slurry can be characterized by the Bingham model. During transportation, the velocity field exhibits a core structure flow, and adjusting the inlet flow rate and pipeline diameter can enhance transport efficiency and control velocity distribution. Within a certain temperature range, as the slurry temperature increases, the yield stress and viscosity of the slurry decrease, and the specific frictional resistance decreases; however,when the temperature exceeds a certain value, the slurry viscosity increases, and the specific frictional resistance also increases. Temperature has a significant effect on the flow characteristics of ultrafine tailings backfill slurry,and adjusting the inlet flow rate and pipeline diameter can improve transport efficiency and control velocity distribution. Significance;The research results provide a scientific basis for the design and operation of backfill [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]