Containerized Chemical Storage and Feed System, Canada
Country
Canada
Application
Chemical Storage and Feed
Treatment solution
Aslan Containerized System
Background
The titanium mine is a world-class ilmenite deposit near Lac Tio and has been producing titanium dioxide as well as other metals such as
iron and steel for over 60 years.
Surrounded by many lakes, the territory around the mine is frequently used for recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, and cottaging.
In order to preserve the natural habitats and recreational activities, it is crucial that the mine prevent any potential discharge or release of
contaminants into the waterways or the surrounding environment.
Challenge
Since mines are typically located in remote, high-altitude or other geographically unfavorable locations where construction and transportation demands pose numerous challenges, mobile, modular infrastructure is a preferred solution over permanent installations.
In 2011, the global mining group announced that the mine would be investing $800 million to maintain and upgrade its facilities. One of these upgrades included replacing a chemical storage and pumping facility with a larger and more complex feed system. This upgraded unit for water transfer and treatment system was vital as it would be dosing chemical solutions for precipitation and removal of heavy metals from mine process water.
If traces of heavy metals were to remain in the wastewater upon discharge from the mining facility, they could cause extremely severe health risks both to humans and the environment, such as cancer and cognitive disabilities.
The precise design of the system was critical to ensure the expected performance.
Solution
Aslan Technologies designed, built, and commissioned a packaged, modular and containerized system that included the base tank and feed systems. The equipment was assembled into two lit and insulated shipping containers which were to be placed side by side lengthwise upon installation.
Multiple chemical storage tanks and associated piping were placed in one container with metering and transfer pump skids along with other piping and system controls were assembled in the other container.
Each container was designed such that they could travel independently by railroad to the mine where they would then be easily and quickly connected and sealed together. Large openings were cut into the sides of both so that they would be connected and accessible once the system was installed onsite.
Results
Aslan’s containerized chemical storage and feed system was successfully installed at the mine. This system upgrade, along with the modernization of other equipment, is expected to extend the life of the mine to 2050.
Modular design made the transportation, site installation and commissioning much easier.
The upgrades are also helping the mine to improve its efficiency and environmental performance.
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