George Ter-Stepanian

RE37733, Jun 11, 2002

Oct 10, 2000

09/686195

George Ter-Stepanian - Shelton CT, 06484

C02F 1112

210767, 210780

The inability to settle mining tailings, pumps, slurries, and other wastes in form of hard sediments and forced storage of jelly-like sludge in tailings ponds have a great economic and environmental impact. This feature is caused by suspension force arising due to high neutral pressure. The drag caused by friction between sinking solid particles and immovable water generates the upward directed suspension force that decreases the unit weight of solid particles, and they settle extremely slowly. On sufficient concentration of solid particles they become weightless and further settling is ceased. The solid particles remain suspended for a long time. The suspension force can be destroyed by greater oppositely directed seepage force. For this purpose the suspension is supplied into a container with permeable member, low pressure acting on its downstream surface is ensured, and passage of liquid through the permeable member is initiated. A downward directed seepage force is formed in the permeable member.

59977531, Dec 7, 1999

Jan 28, 1999

9/239220

George Ter-Stepanian - Shelton CT

C02F 1112

210767

The inability to settle mining tailings, pulps, slurries, and other wastes in form of hard sediments and forced storage of jelly-like sludge in tailings ponds have a great economic and environmental impact. This feature is caused by suspension force arising due to high neutral pressure. The drag caused by friction between sinking solid particles and immovable water generates the upward directed suspension force that decreases the unit weight of solid particles, and they settle extremely slowly. On sufficient concentration of solid particles they become weightless and further settling is ceased. The solid particles remain suspended for a long time. The suspension force can be destroyed by greater oppositely directed seepage force. For this purpose the suspension is supplied into a container with permeable member, low pressure acting on its downstream surface is ensured, and passage of liquid through the permeable member is initiated. A downward directed seepage force is formed in the permeable member.