Annual Meeting Preliminary Program - Full Brochure (PDF) - SME

TECHNICAL PROGRAM
wall face approached and entered into the western edge of the sandstone channel.
The longwall face mined through the center axis of the sandstone channel in mid-
January 2012 and advanced outby the eastern edge of the sandstone channel in
early February 2012. Results from daily underground observations and production
delay analysis confirmed the effectiveness of the hydraulic fracturing program
and the validity of the LVA Software.
chair:
9:00 AM
Introductions
environmental:
Mine Water treatment II
9:00 AM • Wednesday, February 27
M. Mierzejewski, CH2MHill, Richmond, VA
9:05 AM
Antiscalants for Gold Processing Applications
W. Dickinson; R&D, Kemira Chemical, Atlanta, GA
Mineral scale adversely affects the performance of activated carbon circuits used
in gold extraction. The performance of ten antiscalants spanning a range of
chemistries was evaluated for control of calcium carbonate scale in simulated carbon
circuit process water. Three preferred chemistries were identified which provided
greater than 75 percent CaCO3 inhibition under static test conditions. The
three products were further tested using a model carbon extraction circuit developed
for this application. The test circuit enabled direct measurement of calcium
carbonate formed on the carbon from a supersaturated solution under dynamic
conditions. The antiscalants improved calcium transport through the circuit by as
much as 60% while reducing CaCO3 buildup on the columns by 30 40 percent.
On-site testing at a gold processing facility where severe CaCO3 scale was restricting
flow and plugging pipelines demonstrated that the preferred product was
able to reduce CaCO3 formation in thickener overflow water by greater than
70%. Impact of the antiscalants on the rate and extent of gold loading onto carbon
absorbent was also established.
9:25 AM
High Recovery Sulfate Removal Process for Chemically Efficient
Removal of Sulfate From Acid Mine Drainage
S. Karrs and J. Ceklosky; Siemens, Warrendale, PA
Siemens Industry, Inc., a Water Technologies Business Unit, has developed a
High Recovery Sulfate Removal (HRSR) process aimed at the removal of high
levels of sulfate from lime neutralized Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) with minimal
chemical costs. The HRSR process involves treating an influent stream containing
calcium sulfate concentrations at 0.7 to 2 times saturation. This stream is then
conditioned with an antiscalant prior to a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system producing
a purified permeate stream and a reject stream containing the rejected ions at
2 to 7 times saturation and organic matter. The reject stream is further treated to
remove dissolved and suspended species through a desaturation/clarification
process. The preferred desaturation process occurs via a Constant Stirred Tank
Reactor (CSTR) wherein a coprecipitation/antiscalant poisoning/seeding agent
is added followed by clarification. The clarifier overflow is recycled back to the influent
stream whereas the clarifier underflow is disposed of in a manner consistent
with applicable regulations. Additional details of Siemens piloting experience
will be presented in this document.
9:45 AM
Important Characteristics of Membranes for Reliable Performance
in Mine Wastewater Treatment Systems
T. Lilley; Pall Corporation, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
The use of membranes in wastewater systems has increased rapidly in recent
years. Microporous or semipermeable barriers augment conventional chemical or
microbial processes to meet stringent treatment targets. These developments enable
elegant solutions to waste discharge challenges and extend the scope of
water recycle redressing the overall water balance and operational economics
Wastewater treatment processes are discussed by reference to the spectrum of waterborne
contaminants and the respective membrane separation capabilities. The
role chemical pretreatment to enable physical separation of metals with microfiltartion
(MF) is described and how integration of MF with diffusional reverse osmosis
(RO) is used to control a broader range of dissolved contaminants
Membrane configuartions are considered apropos function, operational economics
and sustainability. These features are exemplified with case studies. Firstly,
MF alone following chemical precipitation for the removal of heavy metals, then
MF onto two stages RO of different configurations for TDS reduction and waste
volume minimisation and finally an open channel RO alone for the reduction of
inorganic COD.
10:05 AM
ARD Remediation with Slag: An Application to Berkeley
Pitlake Water
C. Young; Met & Mat Eng, MT Tech, Butte, MT
Treating waste water, particularly acid rock drainage (ARD) from both active and
inactive mines, is critical worldwide for many reasons but usually for environmental
purposes. Being part of a superfund site, the Berkeley Pitlake (BPL) in Butte
MT may be the most famous ARD site in the world. Currently, its treatment consists
of a two-stage lime precipitation. Research has shown that another waste
product can be substituted for lime either wholly or in part. Three slags from
closed MT smelters were investigated: Rhone Poulenc from Ramsay; ARCO slag
from Anaconda; and ASARCO slag from East Helena. Each slag differed in iron,
silica and calcium content and therefore reacted differently to remediate BPL
water. Results were analyzed and modeled using StatEase statistical software and
are presented in regards to pH and metal concentration as a function of amount
added and particle size. Results indicate that slags can be used to either supplement
or replace lime, depending on the application. Conceivably, the process
could also be done in-situ. Aside from remediating ARD, an added socio-benefit,
often referred to as dual ecosystem enhancement, is the removal of the slag piles.
10:25 AM
Progress in Passive Biological Treatment of Selenium in Mine and
Industrial Wastewaters
J. Bays; CH2MHILL, Tampa, FL
Industries are challenged to meet increasingly stringent regulations for selenium
and metals. Cost-effective treatment is required. Biological treatment of selenium
uses passive biochemical reactor cells comprised of mixed organic media
such as wood chips, sawdust, hay, composted manure, peat and other components
that create a microenvironment supportive of anaerobic biological reduction.
Biochemical reactors can be combined with constructed wetlands for effluent
polishing and flow equalization. Passive treatment reduces capital cost and
operational effort compared to more expensive and complex conventional treatment.
The coal mining industry of southern Appalachia offers pertinent examples.
One coal company implemented passive treatment at four discharge outlets
(flows = 60-1,500 gpm; Se = 8-25 ug/L) using biochemical reactors integrated
into treatment wetlands ranging from 0.4 to 1.8 acres in area. Other companies
and agencies have conducted pilot studies and are implementing similar bioreactor
wetland systems. These and other case histories of passive selenium treatment
will be summarized and conceptual configurations and applicable constraints
will be described.
environmental:
resource recovery
9:00 AM • Wednesday, February 27
chairs: L. Figueroa, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
P. Hoeferlin, Veolia Water, Vandalia, OH
9:00 AM
Introductions
9:05 AM
Water Impact Index – Water Reuse
P. Hoeferlin 1 and C. Dupont 2 ; 1 Veolia Water, Paris, France and
2
Veolia Water, Vandalia, OH
Veolia Water recently unveiled the Water Impact Index, the first indicator enabling
a comprehensive assessment of the impact of human activity on water resources.
It is a tool that can help cities and companies plan long-term projects
and better understand sustainable approaches to ensure long-term water supplies
and healthy water ecosystems. In states as far flung as Georgia and Nevada, communities
are experiencing service inconveniences or stating serious concerns over
their long-term water supplies. Other states have halted industrial projects or
commercial developments as water resources are strained. Business and governance
as usual will not suffice as competing demands for water escalate. Cities,
industries and citizens need data, smart-planning tools, better approaches and
more cost-effective best practices to ensure a successful, sustainable future that
takes into account our new realities.
This is the Technical Program as of September 1, 2012. IT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Please see the Onsite Program for final details.
99