Mine Tailing Leachate Pumping Options

[ripsnub]

We are looking to place several groundwater extraction wells or collection sump into mine tailing pile to remove mass from potentially entering an adjecent creek through connected hydraulic seeps. Looking for additional ideas vs. traditional electrical submersible pumping, pneumatic options I have found do not have the flow or head needed. Additional issue is having metals precipitate and pipe/system fouling with very high levels of dissolved Fe also have Cd, Zn, Cu, Al. pH is around 4.5.

- SW

 

[dicksewerrat]

How far down do you have to go to get seepage into a collection pit? what size pits and pumps are you looking at? for the acidic leachate you will need stainless impellers or even go to a hard plastic. maybe HDPE

 

[ripsnub]

I believe between 10-15 feet on the seepage collection. I have specified environmental motor and pump-end (316SS and Teflon) and SDR11 HDPE. Sizing for velocity > 5fps to encourge scour and reduce buildup of any metal precipitate.