Potash tails pile field test covers
A field test program was established to examine potential potash tails cover materials and investigate the requirements of such covers. Potash tails consist of soluble salts and a small percentage of insolubles. Precipitation falling on these tails dissolves the salt, creating a saturated liquid...
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2009
|
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/2429/12562 |
| Summary: | A field test program was established to examine potential potash tails
cover materials and investigate the requirements of such covers. Potash tails
consist of soluble salts and a small percentage of insolubles. Precipitation falling
on these tails dissolves the salt, creating a saturated liquid brine. Most of the brine
generated is contained in ponds around the base of the pile, and periodically
injected into deep underground formations. The use of covers to minimize brine
generation is one method currently being examined as a decommissioning option.
A preliminary three year laboratory program and review of potash cover
experience was used as the basis for designing the field cover program. Two full
scale 20m X 20m test covers have been constructed on an abandoned potash tails
pile. One of the covers was constructed from glacial till overlying a coarse boulder
capillary barrier. 1'he second was constructed from polymerized bentonite and
sand. These covers are currently being monitored to evaluate their performance. |
|---|