Self-Cycling Pump

Stass Environmental have developed a novel system for the dewatering of tailings dams perimeters (dam toes) and recovery of seepage waters.

Traditionally, ring drains and toe drains are used to control the phreatic surface within a tailings dam. In cases where the phreatic surface moves dangerously close to the tailings dam wall, cut-off trenches are often used to help ensure the stability of the tailings dam. In some cases, electric submersible pumps are installed to abstract seepage water close to the dam walls and thus control the phreatic surface within the dam. While electric pumps are efficient when used in this manner, they are very expensive and are subject to corrosive and aggressive attack by saline seepage waters, leading to high replacement and maintenance costs.

Stass Environmental also recommends the use of submersible pumps for control of seepage, but preferentially install low cost pneumatic pumps, made entirely from PVC materials. These pumps are substantially less expensive then electric submersible pumps, and require minimal maintenance while being simple to install and operate.

The diagrams below indicate the effect of an installed seepage control pump system on the phreatic surface in a tailings dam. By lowering the water level on the inside of the tailings dam, the pumps are more effective in the control of the phreatic surface and provide a greater assurance that dam stability with respect to the phreatic surface will be maintained.

Commonly Asked Questions

System Advantages

Introductory Price

$1,750 per unit (Price includes water riser and air line).

Dimentions

External Diameter: 100mm

Length

1 metre

Water Riser

19 mm to 25 mm

Air Supply

6 mm line

Construction Materials

PVC and/or HDPE
Now also available in Stainless Stell (316 or SAF 2205)

Operational Mode

Fully pneumatically Induced Self-Cycling (ie: fully automated).
No controller boxes on the surface required.

Pumping Rates

3600 L/hr at static heads of up to 10 m, reducing to 2400 L/hr at static heads of 40 m. Rates can be increased by incrasing water riser diamter and installing a larger air exhaust port.

Working Depths

Pump can operate to depths of 90 m below ground surface.