Paste reticulation blockage: an Australian case study

Abstract

This paper looks at the design of a paste reticulation system, particularly a new method of diverting paste flows in critical situations, and the safeguards that were incorporated into the reticulation design to minimise the risk of line blockage during backfill operations. It also details the actions taken during a paste blockage event to flush and recover the entire line. The paper considers some of the restrictions that were imposed due to cost and time restraints on the schedule, and the impact these restrictions had on the profile and the flow characteristics of the reticulation network. Finally, a summary of key learnings and solutions that have been implemented to further safeguard the system has been provided.