WATER MANAGEMENT
volume of waste fine particles. At the same time, more stringent operating restrictions and regulations have begun to limit the permitted space and location of tailings impoundments and tighten restrictions for building new or modifying existing tailings ponds. Older impoundments are rapidly reaching capacity, constrained by permits, geological issues and terrain. Such functional space limitations narrow an operator’ s options for placement of refuse slurry. Popular alternatives to refuse impoundments and slurry cells that can accelerate solids densification and limit the active footprint for waste disposal site include: 1. Thickener underflow filtration, using twin belt filter presses or vacuum filters to remove sufficient water to make waste solids easily conveyed or hauled away
2. Paste or deep cone thickeners to increase the specific gravity of refuse slurry before it is deposited in the impoundment and speed up the process of refuse dewatering. However, both of these approaches require significant capital investment and substantial time for planning and installation. With Nalco Water’ s WaterShed program, customers have an easily implemented, low capital cost alternative to a paste thickener or belt filter press. Associated chemical costs for a site-specific WaterShed program can be similar to the chemical costs of a twin belt press filter
The McElroy TracStar Series 2 tracked pipeline fusion machines are used on mine sites all over the world. McElroy notes that“ their mobility and ability to handle most any terrain and grades up to 30 % make them a great asset in remote areas and at high altitudes.” They are easy to manoeuvre on site, having everything needed on board including a generator to provide electricity and hydraulic power. Each machine’ s diesel engine has the fuel tank and operational capacity to perform a full day’ s work bringing fuel efficiency to the tasks. TracStars are offered in a wide range of pipe sizes from 51 mm( 2”) IPS to 1,219 mm( 48”) OD pipe.
application and the overall program is far more flexible. Existing underflow pumps and pipes are used and can be easily moved from cell to cell in the impoundment area.
Related benefits of a Nalco WaterShed program include: n Additives bind the solids in the tailings slurry for rapid water recovery n Enhanced beaching to maximise tailings storage capacity and generate a load bearing structure n Improved decant water quality for potential water reuse applications n Reduced water losses via evaporation or seepage n Dramatically reduced land rehabilitation time, often weeks compared to years with untreated tailings.