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MINE SERVICES |
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Waste Water |
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Waste Water
Waste water systems are frequently referred to simply as pumping systems even though they may involve portions where waste water simply drains under gravity and is not pumped. Most systems would involve pumping at some point(s).
As stated previously modern mining operations require the use of large amounts of water, so that even mines in which there is little or no natural water make require drainage and/or pumping systems to remove waste water at least from localized areas if not from the mine. These systems should be planned to use gravity as much as possible.
Different types of pumps will be required depending on the head to be pumped against, the power source available and the cleanliness of the water. If dirty water is to be handled it is usually best to try and remove the solid material underground by providing settling areas or tanks (old goaf areas are ideal if available in the right place and provided spontaneous combustion problems are not going to result).
At locations where large quantities of water may collect it is often worth the effort of setting-up a good pumping station which may involve excavation of sumps or construction of dams, possibly concreting and grading of floor to direct flow, installation of automatic control based on water levels and ideally monitoring to remote locations (e.g. a surface control room). It is also good practice to arrange a good standage (i.e.storage) area, where possible, to store the water during periods where pumps are not available for whatever reason.
The effect of possible water accumulations on ventilation must be considered in planning layouts (water can partially or completely block airways at low points). If a pump system fails and an airway blocks it may be very difficult to gain access to restart pumps again without ventilation.
Abco Water treatment – treatment of waste water