Aggressive atm. leach tank lining system

[MMcLean]

We have a good chance of being awarded a project to replace their Cons and Tailings leach tanks. They have had a lot of liner failures on these tanks with the current Corrocoat linings. They are after proven lining system that will last 5 years plus in the aggressive leaching environment, which is also subject to an approx. 300 mm thick jarosite growth per annum. The temperature is getting a bit high for rubber lining. We have a materials expert who will review the lining failure data if we are awarded the project but does anyone have any good experience with proven liner systems in similar industries, such as the Zn industry? The liner has to be robust enough to stand up to jarosite de-scaling by high pressure water blasting. Acid brick lining is looking like a good contender at this stage.

The atmospheric leaching conditions are up to 100 oC with:

50 to 100 g/L H2SO4
20 to 100 g/L Fe (20 to 100 g/L ferrous, 0 to 10 g/L ferric)
2 to 20 g/L Cu
1000 to 2500 mg/L U3O8
1 to 1.5 g/L Chlorides
Up to 3 g/L fluorides
Slurry density 1.5 to 1.7 t/m3, with solids of Sg of 4.2 t/m3


Mark McLean

WorleyParsons

 

[cawse001]

Mark,

I have been involved in a few studies looking at a very similar application.

When you introduce the requirement to hydroclean scale you can forget about rubber or vinyl ester coatings. It is very difficult to avoid damage from the high pressure jet.

The options are; ceramic tile/brick lined with tanks made of concrete or steel, or alloy/titanium "wall paper".

Suggest that as a starting point you make contact with Stebbins, Koch Knight and Steuler.

Cheers,

Nigel