This comparison of common dewatering techniques explains each method’s advantages, limitations, and applications for use in resource extraction, including mining, oil & gas, power generation, and similar industry dewatering. A comprehensive guide, providing information that can help those in industry choose the most suitable dewatering solution for their specific site needs.
Minetek Mechanical Evaporation Systems work by pumping a high volume of water at high pressure through specially configured nozzles. The nozzles atomize the water into tiny droplets, and these atomized water droplets are forced up into the atmosphere to evaporate. During this process, a percentage of the water will evaporate, and a percentage will fall back into the water source. Any solids, salts, heavy metals or contaminants that are contained within the water will typically not evaporate; they will fall out along with the non-evaporated droplets.
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Water treatment is another common dewatering solution. This solution uses reverse osmosis to remove acidity, high metal concentrations or any other pollutants from the water. The aim is to achieve an acceptable quality before reuse in the mining operations or discharge back into bodies of water.
Minetek Mechanical Evaporators | Water treatment | |
Volume | 1 meg/day evaporated |
1 meg/day treated
|
Approx. capex | $220,000 |
$1,000,000 |
Opex | $0.20/m³ evaporated |
$2.00/m³ evaporated |
Operator required | No, system is automated | Yes |
Mobility | Yes, system can be relocated easily | Typically fixed installations |
Ability to manage change in water quality | Yes | Typically no |
Lead time | 6-8 weeks | 3-4 months |
Maintenance | Low | Constant cleaning & part replacements |
Infrastructure footprint | Minimal | Minimal |
Construction of new storage ponds or dams is probably the most common technique for water management. This option creates new storage facilities to collect and store additional water on site. Storage facilities also serve as a buffer for emergency situations, as they handle excess water from rainfall.
Minetek Mechanical Evaporators | New ponds/dams | |
Volume | 1 meg/day evaporated | Scalable, variable due to size & real estate |
Approx. capex | $220,000 | Raising / new dams $25,000,000 |
Opex | $0.20/m³ evaporated | Very minimal |
Operator required | No, system is automated | No |
Mobility | Yes, system can be relocated easily | No |
Ability to manage change in water quality | Yes | Yes, if its lined |
Lead time | 6-8 weeks | 6-24 months |
Maintenance | Low | Low maintenance unless lift is required or non-compliance |
Infrastructure footprint | Minimal | Large - very large |
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