SEPARATION OF SUSPENSIONS OF SOLIDS EMPLOYING WATER SOLUBLE POLYMER AND A CHEMICAL AGENT

The present invention relates to a process of separating a suspension comprising particulate solids dispersed in an aqueous liquid into a liquid portion and a solids portion comprising the steps of transferring the suspension by flowing it to a deposition area, subjecting the suspension to a treatment system during the transfer, and at the deposition area allowing the suspension to separate into the liquid portion and the solids portion, wherein the treatment system comprises, (a) a water soluble polymer; and (b) a chemical agent selected from at least one of an oxidising agent, a reducing agent, and/or a free radical agent. The inventors have found that the treatment system enables a solids portion to be deposited which can be formed by an initial rigidification of the solids accompanied by an initial release of fluid followed by a further consolidation of the rigidified solids with the further release of liquid.