Gates, IanFamakinwa, Temilola2017-09-272017-09-2720172017http://hdl.handle.net/11023/4141Oil sands tailings inventory is rapidly growing and current tailings treatment technologies are too costly or unable to handle the high solids content of the waste. The aim of the research documented here was to develop a new in-situ process for treating tailings that would cut costs by eliminating the need for tailings transport and re-deposition. The proof of concept of the new in-situ technology is given in this thesis. The process was able to increase the solids content of mature fine tailings by 2.7 times or (178 %). Furthermore, the process performed better than a treatment method that used the same solution chemistry as the new process, but in an ideal mixing environment. It was found that the performance of the in-situ method could be further improved by using carbon dioxide over air as mixing media. The process improves the consolidation and de-watering of mature fine tailings by two mechanisms. It chemically alters the tailings water to decrease the electronic double layer of clay fines and facilitates coagulation. Secondly, the vigorous bubbling of gas creates micro-fractures in the tailings deposit through which water flows to the surface. To optimize the design of the new process, a two-level factorial experiment was conducted to determine the treatment solution chemistry that produces the most strengthened tailings product.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Engineering--ChemicalEngineering--EnvironmentalOil sandstailingsflocculationcoagulationin-situdesign of experimentmaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/26554