NS Series Vertical Flow and Deep Cone Thickener for High-Density Slurry Thickening

The NS Series Vertical Flow & Deep Cone Thickeneris a landmark solution in high-efficiency thickening technology, specifically engineered to produce ultra-high density thickened slurry or paste products. Characterized by its high height-to-diameter ratio, powerful compression capability, and outstanding flocculant utilization efficiency, the NS Series represents a revolutionary advancement over conventional thickening technologies.

More than a thickening device, the NS Series is a core system for modern mines and industrial plants seeking safe, environmentally responsible, and resource-efficient solid waste management. It plays a critical role in tailings disposal, paste backfilling, industrial sludge treatment, and large-scale waste reduction projects.

By combining gravity sedimentation with deep compression under high static pressure, the NS Series enables the production of stable, non-segregating, and non-bleeding paste materials that are difficult or impossible to achieve using traditional radial flow thickeners.

The NS Series Thickener is composed of several integrated systems, each designed to ensure high-density discharge, operational safety, and long-term reliability.

Deep Cone Tank Body

The deep cone tank is the core structure of the system. It consists of:

An upper cylindrical section

A lower deep cone section with a large cone angle (typically greater than 60°)

The exceptional height of the tank generates significant static compression pressure, which is essential for expelling entrained water and achieving ultra-high underflow density. The steep cone angle ensures smooth paste flow and prevents material arching or blockage at the discharge point.

Feed and Flocculation System

Feed slurry is thoroughly mixed with high-molecular-weight flocculants in a static mixer or feedwell before entering the thickener. The slurry is then introduced smoothly into the tank, either from the central feedwell or through peripheral feed points, minimizing turbulence and protecting floc structure.

Efficient flocculation is a prerequisite for deep cone operation, as it directly affects settling rate, compression behavior, and final underflow density.

Overflow System

Clarified overflow liquid is collected uniformly through an annular overflow launder located at the top perimeter of the tank. The overflow clarity is typically high enough for direct reuse in the process, significantly reducing fresh water consumption.

Underflow Discharge System

High-density paste is discharged from the lowest point of the deep cone. Depending on project requirements, the discharge system may include:

Variable-frequency controlled underflow pumps (such as plunger pumps or progressive cavity pumps)

Gravity discharge systems for suitable materials

Online density meters and pressure sensors continuously monitor underflow conditions, enabling precise control of paste consistency and discharge stability.

Monitoring and Automatic Control System

The NS Series is designed for full automation and is typically equipped with:

Sludge bed level instruments

Torque sensors

Density meters

Pressure transmitters

These instruments are integrated into a PLC or DCS system, allowing automatic adjustment of feed rate, flocculant dosage, and underflow discharge. This ensures consistent paste quality, safe operation, and minimal operator intervention.

Metal Mining – Tailings Management

Tailings thickening before dry stacking
Produces high-density, non-bleeding paste tailings suitable for surface dry stacking, significantly improving tailings storage safety, reducing land occupation, and minimizing environmental risk.

Paste backfilling
Generates high-concentration backfill slurry for underground void filling, enhancing mine stability and resource recovery.

Coal Industry

Used for producing coal slurry paste for disposal, storage, or utilization as low-calorific-value fuel.

Industrial Sludge Treatment

Applies to deep thickening of sludge generated from engineering, chemical, metallurgical, and municipal wastewater treatment processes, preparing material for dry disposal or further treatment.

Industrial By-Products

Widely used for high-density handling of industrial residues such as:

Bauxite residue (red mud)

Phosphogypsum

Other large-volume industrial solid wastes

The NS Series is particularly suitable for materials with:

High fine particle content

Poor settling behavior in conventional thickeners

Strong dependence on flocculant addition to achieve acceptable sedimentation

Typical applications include tailings and industrial sludges that require deep compression and paste discharge.

Ultra-high underflow density and paste stability

Excellent flocculant utilization efficiency

Reduced water recovery losses and lower environmental footprint

Stable, continuous paste discharge

High degree of automation suitable for large-scale operations

Proven performance in mining and industrial waste applications