NO20151609A1 - A method for treatment of mining waste - Google Patents
A method for treatment of mining waste Download PDFInfo
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- NO20151609A1 NO20151609A1 NO20151609A NO20151609A NO20151609A1 NO 20151609 A1 NO20151609 A1 NO 20151609A1 NO 20151609 A NO20151609 A NO 20151609A NO 20151609 A NO20151609 A NO 20151609A NO 20151609 A1 NO20151609 A1 NO 20151609A1
- Authority
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- Norway
- Prior art keywords
- mining waste
- flowable
- combination
- solidifier
- geopolymeric
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 title claims description 222
- 238000005065 mining Methods 0.000 title claims description 208
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 64
- 230000009969 flowable effect Effects 0.000 claims description 157
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 34
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 claims description 29
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 claims description 24
- 229920000876 geopolymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000002893 slag Substances 0.000 claims description 22
- 239000010881 fly ash Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 21
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 17
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Alumina Chemical compound [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 12
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000004567 concrete Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N titanium dioxide Inorganic materials O=[Ti]=O GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 241000251468 Actinopterygii Species 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- ODINCKMPIJJUCX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Calcium oxide Chemical compound [Ca]=O ODINCKMPIJJUCX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000012239 silicon dioxide Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002956 ash Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 229910001385 heavy metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 16
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 13
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000012447 hatching Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 4
- HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[Na+] HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 3
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 3
- HGUFODBRKLSHSI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin Chemical compound O1C2=CC(Cl)=C(Cl)C=C2OC2=C1C=C(Cl)C(Cl)=C2 HGUFODBRKLSHSI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000011398 Portland cement Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001311 chemical methods and process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003245 coal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003628 erosive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- YDZQQRWRVYGNER-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron;titanium;trihydrate Chemical compound O.O.O.[Ti].[Fe] YDZQQRWRVYGNER-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910019142 PO4 Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004111 Potassium silicate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052804 chromium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000021615 conjugation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052745 lead Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010452 phosphate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019353 potassium silicate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- NNHHDJVEYQHLHG-UHFFFAOYSA-N potassium silicate Chemical compound [K+].[K+].[O-][Si]([O-])=O NNHHDJVEYQHLHG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052913 potassium silicate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011343 solid material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
- C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
- C04B28/00—Compositions of mortars, concrete or artificial stone, containing inorganic binders or the reaction product of an inorganic and an organic binder, e.g. polycarboxylate cements
- C04B28/006—Compositions of mortars, concrete or artificial stone, containing inorganic binders or the reaction product of an inorganic and an organic binder, e.g. polycarboxylate cements containing mineral polymers, e.g. geopolymers of the Davidovits type
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
- C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
- C04B12/00—Cements not provided for in groups C04B7/00 - C04B11/00
- C04B12/005—Geopolymer cements, e.g. reaction products of aluminosilicates with alkali metal hydroxides or silicates
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
- C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
- C04B18/00—Use of agglomerated or waste materials or refuse as fillers for mortars, concrete or artificial stone; Treatment of agglomerated or waste materials or refuse, specially adapted to enhance their filling properties in mortars, concrete or artificial stone
- C04B18/04—Waste materials; Refuse
- C04B18/12—Waste materials; Refuse from quarries, mining or the like
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
- C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
- C04B20/00—Use of materials as fillers for mortars, concrete or artificial stone according to more than one of groups C04B14/00 - C04B18/00 and characterised by shape or grain distribution; Treatment of materials according to more than one of the groups C04B14/00 - C04B18/00 specially adapted to enhance their filling properties in mortars, concrete or artificial stone; Expanding or defibrillating materials
- C04B20/10—Coating or impregnating
- C04B20/1055—Coating or impregnating with inorganic materials
- C04B20/1077—Cements, e.g. waterglass
- C04B20/1081—Mineral polymers, e.g. geopolymers
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
- C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
- C04B28/00—Compositions of mortars, concrete or artificial stone, containing inorganic binders or the reaction product of an inorganic and an organic binder, e.g. polycarboxylate cements
- C04B28/02—Compositions of mortars, concrete or artificial stone, containing inorganic binders or the reaction product of an inorganic and an organic binder, e.g. polycarboxylate cements containing hydraulic cements other than calcium sulfates
- C04B28/04—Portland cements
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
- C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
- C04B2111/00—Mortars, concrete or artificial stone or mixtures to prepare them, characterised by specific function, property or use
- C04B2111/74—Underwater applications
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P40/00—Technologies relating to the processing of minerals
- Y02P40/10—Production of cement, e.g. improving or optimising the production methods; Cement grinding
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
- Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
- Y02W30/91—Use of waste materials as fillers for mortars or concrete
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Processing Of Solid Wastes (AREA)
Description
A METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF MINING WASTE
Introduction
The present invention relates to a method for treatment of mining waste, such as depleted mining waste in general and in particular depleted mining waste of the mineral rutile or ilmenite, which is used for producing titanium. The present invention also relates to a combination of a mining waste and a flowable solidifier and an underwater structure made therefrom.
Prior art and their disadvantaaes
In prior art, mining waste ts handled by depositing the mining waste in a deposit storage at land or in the sea. The deposition has the disadvantage of requiring large land areas. Furthermore, the deposition may induce environmental risks. The mining waste may contain considerable quantities of dangerous substances in the form of minerals and heavy metals, such as Ni, Pb, Co, Cr, Zn, Cu, which may leak into the environment, in particular when the mining waste is deposited in the sea. Furthermore, through the extraction and subsequent mineral processing, these substances tend to become chemically more avatlable for separation from the mining waste.
A further related problem is that the environmental requirements from the authorities on deposition of mining waste are becoming increasingly stricter. The requirements from authorities limits how the mining waste can be deposited. In order to fulfil the requirements, it may be necessary to modify the deposition facilities with additional barriere towards the surrounding environment. In unfavourable conditions, the additional barders are not sufficient to fulfil the requirements and it may be necessary to restrict the annual mining production or extraction processing.
Yet another problem when depositing mining waste is that the mining waste normally has been grinded to small pieces, such as a grain size in the range of 5 - 0,001 mm, which enables the mining waste to be dislocated away from the intended waste deposit. This problem is in particular pronounced when depositing the mining waste in the sea. When the small grains of mining waste are deposited in the sea, the grains spread when sinking towards the bottom and covers a large area of the sea bottom around the location of the waste deposit. Furthermore, even after being deposited, currents in the water may spread the grains of mining waste along the sea bottom. The spread of the mining waste severely influences the algaculture at the sea bottom around the waste deposit. The problem is also present at land deposits, where the mining waste is spread by the wind.
The problem of handling mining waste and the effect of leakage of above mentioned residual minerals is present for mining waste of the mineral rutile when producing titanium. Mineral deposit of rutile is for example available at Engebøfjellet in Norway. The depleted mining waste from Engebøfjellet comprises approximately 5% Ti in addition to the above mentioned minerals and heavy metals.
ID201301721A discloses a method for making a geopolymer composite that comprises Ti02.
Summarv of the invention
The object of the invention is to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to prior art. In particular, a first object of the invention is to provide a method for treatment of mining waste that allows the mining waste to be deposited with reduced leakage of residual minerals and heavy metals. A second object of the invention is to provide a method for treatment of mining waste that allows the mining waste to be deposited submerged in water, such as in a lake or the sea. A third object of the invention is to provide a method for treatment of mining waste that allows the mining waste to be deposited without being displaced from the deposit.
These objects are achieved through features, which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow. In particular, these objects are achieved by means of a method for treatment of mining waste according to claim 1. The method comprises the steps of - adding the mining waste and a flowable solidifier to a container, wherein the flowable solidifier comprises one of a flowable geopolymeric former and a flowable cement former, or a combination thereof, wherein the flowable geopolymeric former possesses the ability to produce a geopolymeric reaction by itself or in combination with the mining waste in which a geopolymer is formed, wherein the flowable cement former possesses the ability to produce a cement solidifying reaction in which concrete is formed,
- combining the mining waste with the flowable solidifier into a formable combination, and
- solidifying the formable combination by allowing the geopolymeric reaction and/or the cement solidifying reaction to form a solidified combination.
By forming the solidified combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier, the mining waste is combined to at least one large unit that is prevented from being dislocated away from the waste deposit due to interaction of streams of water, wind, and etcetera.
By forming the solidified combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier, the mining waste is at least partly enclosed by the flowable solidifier. Thereby, the direct exposure of an outer surface of the mining waste to the surrounding environment is reduced. Furthermore, after that the formable combination has solidified, the flowable solidifier acts as a barriere against leakage and diffusion of minerals and heavy metals from the mining waste.
Accordingly, the method of the invention results in reduced leakage of minerals and heavy metals from the mining waste when the solidified combination is stored in a deposit. The reduced leakage of minerals and heavy metals from the mining waste is particular pronounced when the mining waste is stored submerged in water. Thereby, the method enables the solidified combination to fulfil the increasingly stricter environmental requirements from the authorities on deposition of mining waste.
The term geopolymeric reaction relates to the chemical process in which the flowable geopolymeric former solidifies, also denoted geopolymeirzation. The geopolymeric reaction may relate to one of a process of repeating units, such as silico-oxide (-Si-O-Si-O-), silico-aluminate (-Si-O-AI-O-), ferro-silico-aluminate (-Fe-O-Si-O-AI-O-) or alumino-phosphate (-AI-0-P-0-), and etcetera.
The term cement solidifying reaction relates to the chemical process in which the flowable cement former solidifies. The cement solidifying reaction may relate to one of a process of hydratton and carbonatation in which the flowable cement former solidifies.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the flowable solidifier mainly comprises the flowable geopolymeric former that is configured in combination with the mining waste to produce the geopolymeric reaction that solidifies the formable combination into the solidified combination. Preferably, the flowable solidifier comprises more than 90% of the flowable geopolymeric configured accordingly.
By means of the combination of creating the geopolymer from the mining waste, the mining waste is combined to larger units. Accordingly, it can be assured that the mining waste is maintained at the location of the deposit. Furthermore, the exposure of the mining waste with the environment is reduced resulting in reduced leakage of minerals and heavy metals from the mining waste According to an embodiment of the invention, the mining waste comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the flowable geopolymeric former is configured in combination with the first portion of the mining waste to produce the geopolymeric reaction, and wherein the second portion of the mining waste is combined with the flowable solidifier so that the second portion of the mining waste is at least partly enclosed by the combination of the flowable geopolymeric former and the first portion of the mining waste.
The first portion of the mining waste is combined with the flowable geopolymeric former to the geopolymer that is produced by the geopolymeric reaction. The second portion of the mining waste is at least partly encapsulated by the geopolymer. By means of the combination of creating the geopolymer from the first portion of the mining waste and encapsulating the second portion of the mining waste by the geopolymer, a large amount of the mining waste can be combined together. Ac cordingly, it can be assured that the mining waste is maintained at the location of the deposit.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the flowable solidifier mainly comprises the flowable geopolymeric former that is configured to react by itself to produce the geopolymeric reaction that solidifies the formable combination into the solidified combination. Preferably, the flowable solidifier comprises more than 90% of the flowable geopolymeric configured accordingly.
By means of the combination of the geopolymer with the mining waste, the mining waste is combined to larger units. Accordingly, it can be assured that the mining waste is maintained at the location of the deposit. Furthermore, the exposure of the mining waste with the environment is reduced resulting in reduced leakage of minerals and heavy metals from the mining waste.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the flowable solidifier mainly comprises the flowable cement former that is configured to react by itself to produce the cement solidifying reaction that solidifies the formable combination into the solidified combination. Preferably, the flowable solidifier comprises more than 90% of the flowable cement former configured accordingly.
By means of the combination of the cement former with the mining waste, the mining waste is combined to larger units. Accordingly, it can be assured that the mining waste is maintained at the location of the deposit. Furthermore, the exposure of the mining waste with the environment is reduced resulting in reduced leakage of minerals and heavy metals from the mining waste.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the mining waste is combined with the flowable solidifier so that the flowable solidifier mainly encloses an outer surface of the mining waste. Preferably, the mining waste is combined with the flowable solidifier so that the flowable solidifier fully encloses the outer surface of the mining waste. By enclosing the mining waste in the flowable solidifier, the exposure of the outer surface of the mining waste with the surrounding is reduced resulting in in reduced leakage of minerals and heavy metals from the mining waste.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises
- forming the combined mining waste and the flowable solidifier into pellets.
By arranging the solidified combination of the mining waste and the geopolymeric component into pellets, the deposition of the combination is facilitated and the deposition facilities can be utilized to high degree in that the pellets allow a high degree of packing density. The pellets are preferably configured with a size that prevents them from being displaced by interaction of streams of water, wind, and etcetera. The pellets may be arranged in various of forms, such as spherical, cylindrical, and etcetera.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the mining waste is combined with the flowable solidifier in the pellets so that the flowable solidifier mainly encloses an outer surface of the mining waste. Preferably, a majority of the pellets are arranged so that the flowable solidifier mainly en-
doses the outer surface of the mining waste.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises
- depositing the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier are deposited after that the combination has solidified.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier are deposited after that the solidified combination has reached a compressive strength of more than 2 MPa, preferably more than 5 MPa. The flowable solidifier may after being fully solidified have a compressive strength of 10 MPa or higher, such as 25 - 55 MPA under favourable conditions. However, even before being fully solidified, the flowable solidifier provides a reduction of leakage and diffusjon of minerals and heavy metals from the mining waste.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the method of forming the formable combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier is performed on a vessel. Preferably, the method of forming the formable combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier is performed on a vessel during transportation from the mine or extraction site to the waste deposit. By performing the method of forming the solidified combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier during transportation, the overall cost of the deposition is reduced.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises
- depositing the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier submerged in water.
By depositing the combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier in a lake or the sea, the cost of the deposition is reduced compared with land based deposition facilities. Preferably, a pipe or similar is used for guiding the combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier to the intended position of deposit at the seabed.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises
- forming the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier combined mining waste into an underwater structure for increasing fish yield or for algaculture.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises
- covering an area or object at the seabed by depositing the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier. The object may for example be a wreck or other structure. The area may for example be an area comprising contamination.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises
- tilling a bore of a well with the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier. For example, a bore of an offshore well.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises
- forming the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier into a breakwater structure for reducing coastal erosion or providing safe harbourage.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the flowable geopolymeric former is one of a slag-based geopolymer, a rock-based geopolymer and a fly ash-based geopolymer, or a combination thereof.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the flowable geopolymeric former comprises water and at least one of fly ash and slag from metal production, or a combination thereof.
Fly ash is a residue generated in large amounts of combustion, such from coal, waste and etcetera. Slag is a residue generated from metai production after that the desired metal has been separated from the ore. Both the fly ash and the slag contain considerable quantities of dangerous substances, such as dioxin and heavy metals. Furthermore, the fly ash and the slag are highly alkaline. Accordingly, both the fly ash and the slag requtre spectal deposit arrangement.
By combining the mining waste with the fly ash and/or the slag, a combined waste treatment of both mining waste and fly ash and/or slag is obtained. Furthermore, a high pH is necessary for the geopolymeric reaction and the alkaline properties fly ash and/or the slag enables this without further additives.
According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one of fly ash and slag from metal production comprising substantial amounts of at least one of Silicon dioxide (Si02), aluminium oxide (Al203) and calcium oxide (CaO). In regards to the geopolymer, one of or a combination of Silicon dioxide (Si02), aluminium oxide (Al203) and calcium oxide (CaO) may be part of the geopolymeric reaction.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises
- reducing the size of the mining waste to smaller pieces.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the mining waste has a grain size in the range of 5 - 0,001 mm, preferably 0,15 - 0,05 mm.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the mining waste comprises depleted mining waste of at least one of the mineral rutile and ilmenite, or a combination thereof.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the mining waste constitutes 50- 95 % of the mass of the formable combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier, preferably, 60 - 80 % of the mass.
The objects of the invention are further achieved by means of a combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier according to claim 22. The combination ischaracterized in thatit is manufactured by a method according to any of claim 1-21.
The objects of the invention are further achieved by means of an underwater structure for increasing fish yield or for algaculture. The underwater structure comprises a combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier according to claim 22.
The objects of the invention are further achieved by means of use of a combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier according to claim 22.
The above objects is further achieved by means of use of the combination of claim 22.
Detailed description
In the following is described examples of preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 discloses a flow chart of a method for treatment of mining waste according to an
embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2a discloses a schematic overview of the microstructure of a combination of mining
waste and a flowable solidifier according to a first embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2b discloses a schematic overview of the microstructure of a combination of mining
waste and a flowable solidifier according to a second embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2c discloses a schematic overview of the microstructure of a combination of mining
waste and a flowable solidifier according to a third embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2d discloses a schematic overview of the microstructure of a combination of mining
waste and a flowable solidifier according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3 discloses a vessel for transporting and forming the combination of the mining waste
and the flowable solidifier.
In fig. 1 an example of a method for treatment of mining waste according to an embodiment of the invention is disclosed. The method is initiated in a step 100 by adding the mining waste to a container and in a step 110 by adding a flowable solidifier component to the container. The mining waste and the flowable solidifier may be added in any order or simultaneously.
The mining waste is preferably in a granulated form that enables it be mixed and coated with the flowable geopolymeric component. The flowable geopolymeric component is preferably arranged flowable with a viscosity that enables the geopolymeric component to cover an outer surface of the mining waste. Preferably, the mining waste has a grain size in the range of 5 - 0,001 mm, more preferably 0,15 - 0,05 mm, and the flowable geopolymeric component has a viscosity that enables the mining waste to be distributed in the flowable solidifier.
In a step 120, the method further comprises combining the mining waste with the flowable solidifier. The combination is done by mixing the mining waste with the flowable solidifier in a mixing device, such as a by means of a concrete mixer comprising a revolving drum for mixing the mining waste with the flowable solidifier. Preferably, the mining waste with the flowable solidifier is mixed until the mining waste is homogeneously distributed in the flowable solidifier. By means of step 120, the flowable solidifier encloses the mining waste into a formable combination. Preferably, the method further comprises steps of dividing the formable combination into pellets of similar size and form.
In a step 130, the method further comprises solidifying the formable combination by allowing the geopolymeric reaction and/or the ceramic reaction to form a solidified combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier.
The solidified combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier is arranged so that the flowable solidifier mainly encloses the mining waste, preferably the flowable solidifier completely encloses the mining waste. Thereby, the exposure of an outer surface of the mining waste with the surrounding environment is reduced and possible leakage or diffusjon of the minerals and heavy metals is reduced.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method steps of 100 -130 are performed on a vessel during transportation from the mine or extraction site to the waste deposit, for example on a ship when transporting the mine waste for deposition submerged in water. In shall be understood that the method steps of 100 -130 also may be performed during the vessel is in an idle position, such as when being anchored at sea or at a harbour.
In a step 140, the method comprises depositing the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier. Preferably, the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier are deposited after that the combination has at least partly solidified.
The solidified combination of the mining waste and the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier provides the advantage of allowing the mining waste to be deposited without that the mining waste is displaced by interaction from steams of water, wind, and etcetera. Accordingly, the environmental effect of depositing the mining waste is reduced.
The solidified combination of the mining waste and the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier further provides the advantage of allowing the mining waste to be deposited with reduced leakage or diffusion of the minerals and heavy metals. Thereby, the solidified combination can be deposited at more simple deposit facilities or submerged in water while fulfilling the environmental requirements from the authorities. Accordingly, the overall cost of the deposition by means of treatment of the mining waste using the method is reduced. Furthermore, the environmental interaction from the deposition is reduced.
The flowable solidifier is one of a flowable geopolymeric former and a flowable cement former, or a combination thereof. In the following, an example of the flowable geopolymeric former will be presented. The flowable geopolymeric former comprises one of fly ash and slag from metal production, or a combination thereof.
Fly ash is a residue generated in large amounts of combustion, such from coal, waste and etcetera. Slag is a residue generated from metal production after that the desired metal has been separated from the ore.
The mining waste, fly ash and slag from metal production are all comprising dangerous substances. The mining waste comprises significant amount of minerals and heavy metals as discussed previously. The fly ash and slag from metal production comprises dioxin and heavy metals. Accordingly, by combining the mining waste with the fly ash and/or slag from metal production into a solidified combination, an efficient waste treatment is obtained.
The fly ash and the slag from metal production are both highly alkaline. In regards to the geopolymer, a high pH is necessary for the geopolymeric reaction. Accordingly, the fly ash and the slag from metal production can be used for enabling the geopolymeric reaction without further additives.
According to a preferred embodiment, the flowable geopolymer former is made by mixing the following components in regards to their weight, 75 % mining waste and/or residual waste from titanium production, 15 % fly ash and/or slag, 5 % potassium silicate, 1 % sodium hydroxide, 4% water. The components are mixed together to the formable combination that is divided into pellets and allowed to solidify.
In the following, an example of the flowable cement former will be presented. The flowable cement former comprises one of fly ash and slag from metal production, or a combination thereof.
According to a preferred embodiment, the flowable cement former is a Portland cement. Preferably, the cement comprises one of type I, type II, type III, type IV and type V Portland cement according to ASTM C150, wherein the mining waste and/or residual waste from titanium production constitutes 50 - 95 % of the composition, preferably 70 - 80 % of the composition. Fig. 2a discloses a schematic overview of the microstructure of a combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier according to a first embodiment of the invention. In the disclosed embodiment, the flowable solidifier comprises mainly the flowable geopolymeric former that is configured in combination with the mining waste to produce the geopolymeric reaction in which a geopolymer is formed that solidifies the formable combination into the solidified combination. In the following embodiment, the flowable geopolymeric former has been added to an amount that enables it to form the solidified combination by a geopolymeric reaction mainly between the geopolymeric former and the mining waste. By means of the geopolymeric reaction, the mining waste becomes a part of a solidified geopolymer 200. In ftg. 2a, the solidified combination is illustrated by a first hatching. Fig. 2b discloses a schematic overview of the microstructure of a combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier according to a second embodiment of the invention. In the disclosed embodiment, the flowable solidifier comprises again mainly the flowable geopolymeric former that is configured in combination with the mining waste to produce the geopolymeric reaction in which a geopolymer is formed that solidifies the formable combination.
In contrast to the embodiment in fig. 2a, the flowable geopolymeric former has been added to an amount that enables it to form the solidified geopolymer 200 with only a first portion of the mining waste. A second portion of the mining waste is enclosed by the combination of the flowable geopolymeric former and the first portion of the mining waste. In fig. 2b, the solidified geopolymer 200 is illustrated by the first hatching together with enclosure of grains 210 of the second portion of the mining waste. The grains 210 of the second portion of the mining waste are preferably uniformly distributed in the structure. Fig. 2c discloses a schematic overview of the microstructure of a combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier according to a third embodiment of the invention. In the disclosed embodiment, the flowable solidifier comprises mainly a flowable cement former that possesses the ability to produce a cement solidifying reaction in which a concrete structure 205 is formed. Grains 210 of the mining waste are enclosed in the solidified combination of the flowable cement former and the mining waste. In fig. 2c, the solidified concrete structure 205 is illustrated by a second hatching. The grains 210 of the second portion of the mining waste are preferably uniformly distributed in the structure. Fig. 2d discloses a schematic overview of the microstructure of a combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. In the disclosed embodiment, the flowable solidifier comprises partly a flowable geopolymeric former and a flowable cement former. The flowable geopolymeric former has been added to an amount that enables it to form the solidified combination with a first portion of the mining waste by a geopolymeric reaction between the geopolymeric former and the first portion of the mining waste. The structure in fig. 2d further comprises partly a flowable cement former that possesses the ability to produce a cement solidifying reaction in which a concrete structure 205 is formed. In the disclosed embodiment grains 210 of a second portion of the mining waste are enclosed in the combined geopolymer 200 and concrete structure 205. In fig. 2d, the solidified combination is illustrated by the first and the second hatching together with enclosure of the second portion of the mining waste. The grains 210 of the second portion of the mining waste are preferably uniformly distributed in the structure. Fig. 3 discloses a vessel 300 for transporting and forming the combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier. In the disclosed embodiment of the invention, the vessel 300 is a ship and the combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier is adapted to be deposited in the sea.
The vessel 300 is configured with means for manufacturing the formable combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier. The means comprises arrangement for adding the mining waste and the flowable solidifier to a container 310, such as a first conveyor beit 315, combining the mining waste with the flowable solidifier into a formable combination, such as by rotating the container 310, and dividing the formable combination into pellet that are allowed to solidify. The vessel 300 further comprises a plurality displaceable boxes 320 for holding the mining waste, the flowable solidifier or components of the flowable solidifier, and pellets of the formable combination or solidified combination.
Preferably, the vessel 300 further comprises a second conveyor belt 325 that is adapted to transport the formable combination while being solidified to a discharging arrangement 330 for discharging the combination from the vessel 300. The discharging arrangement 330 comprises for example a pipe or similar for guiding the combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier to the intended position of deposit at the seabed. Preferably, the second conveyor belt 325 is provided with a layer of granular solid material, such as sand, gravel, etcetera, for preventing the formable combination from sticking to the second conveyor belt 325. In the disclosed example the container 310 is arranged in the bow of the vessel 300.Preferably, the solidified combination is deposited submerged in water is such a way that an artificial reef is constructed. The artificial reef is arranged with forms and hollow spaces that are desirable for increasing fish yield or for algaculture. The solidified combination may also be used for covering an area or object at the seabed, such as a wreck or other structure, or for covering an area of the seabed that comprises contamination. The solidified combination may also be used as a tilling material for a bore of an offshore well. Furthermore, the solidified combination may be used as material in a breakwater structure for reducing coastal erosion or pro vid ing safe harbourage.lt should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.
The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
Claims (24)
1. A method for treatment of mining waste, wherein the method comprises - adding the mining waste and a flowable solidifier to a container, wherein the flowable solidifier comprises one of a flowable geopolymeric former and a flowable cement former, or a combination thereof, wherein the flowable geopolymeric former possesses the ability to produce a geopolymeric reaction by itself or in combination with the mining waste in which a geopolymer is formed, wherein the flowable cement fonner possesses the ability to produce a cement solidifying reaction in which concrete is formed, - combining the mining waste with the flowable solidifier into a formable combination, and - solidifying the formable combination by allowing the geopolymeric reaction and/or the cement solidifying reaction to form a solidified combination.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the flowable solidifier mainly comprises the flowable geopolymeric former that is configured in combination with the mining waste to produce the geopolymeric reaction that solidifies the formable combination into the solidified combination.
3. The method according to any of claim 1 and 2, wherein the mining waste comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the flowable geopolymeric former is configured in combination with the first portion of the mining waste to produce the geopolymeric reaction, and wherein the second portion of the mining waste is combined with the flowable solidifier so that the second portion of the mining waste is at least partly enclosed by the combination of the flowable geopolymeric former and the first portion of the mining waste.
4. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the flowable solidifier mainly comprises the flowable geopolymeric former that is configured to react by itself to produce the geopolymeric reaction that solidifies the formable combination into the solidified combination.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the flowable solidifier mainly comprises the flowable cement former that is configured to react by itself to produce the cement solidifying reaction that solidifies the formable combination into the solidified combination.
6. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the mining waste is combined with the flowable solidifier so that the flowable solidifier mainly encloses an outer surface of the mining waste.
7. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the method further comprises - forming the combined mining waste and the flowable solidifier into pellets.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the mining waste is combined with the flowable solidifier in the pellets so that the flowable solidifier mainly encloses an outer surface of the mining waste.
9. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the method further comprises - depositing the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier.
10. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier are deposited after that the combination has solidified.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier are deposited after that the solidified combination has reached a compressive strength of more than 2 MPa, preferably more than 5 MPa.
12. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the method of forming the formable combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier is performed on a vessel.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method of forming the formable combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier is performed on the vessel during transportation from the mine or extraction site to the waste deposit
14. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the method further comprises - depositing the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier submerged in water.
15. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the method further comprises - forming the combined mining waste and flowable solidifier combined mining waste into an underwater structure for increasing fish yield or for algaculture.
16. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the flowable geopolymeric former is one of a slag-based geopolymer, a rock-based geopolymer and a fly ash-based geopolymer, or a combination thereof.
17. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the flowable geopolymeric fonner comprises water and at least one of fly ash and slag from metal production, or a combination thereof.
18. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one of ash and slag from metal production comprising substantial amounts of at least one of Silicon dioxide (Si02), aluminium oxide (Al203) and calcium oxide (CaO).
19. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mining waste has a grain size in the range of 5 - 0,001 mm, preferably 0,15 - 0,05 mm.
20. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the mining waste comprises depleted mining waste of at least one of the mineral rutile and ilmenrte, or a combination thereof.
21. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the mining waste constitutes 50- 95 % of the mass of the formable combination of the mining waste and the flowable solidifier, preferably, 60 - 80 % of the mass.
22. A combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier,characterized in thatthe combination is manufactured by a method according to any of claim 1-21.
23. An underwater structure for increasing fish yield or for algaculture,characterized in thatthe underwater structure comprises a combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier according to claim 22.
24. Use of a combination of mining waste and a flowable solidifier according to claim 22.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NO20151609A NO20151609A1 (en) | 2015-11-25 | 2015-11-25 | A method for treatment of mining waste |
| PCT/NO2016/050235 WO2017091082A2 (en) | 2015-11-25 | 2016-11-23 | A method for treatment of mining waste |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NO20151609A NO20151609A1 (en) | 2015-11-25 | 2015-11-25 | A method for treatment of mining waste |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
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| NO20151609A1 true NO20151609A1 (en) | 2017-05-26 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NO20151609A NO20151609A1 (en) | 2015-11-25 | 2015-11-25 | A method for treatment of mining waste |
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| Country | Link |
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| NO (1) | NO20151609A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2017091082A2 (en) |
Citations (3)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4770708A (en) * | 1985-11-01 | 1988-09-13 | Coal Industry (Patents) Limited | Method of disposing of mining tailings |
| US4859367A (en) * | 1987-10-02 | 1989-08-22 | Joseph Davidovits | Waste solidification and disposal method |
| US5349118A (en) * | 1990-09-04 | 1994-09-20 | Joseph Davidovits | Method for obtaining a geopolymeric binder allowing to stabilize, solidify and consolidate toxic or waste materials |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB0505330D0 (en) * | 2005-03-16 | 2005-04-20 | British Nuclear Fuels Plc | Waste disposal method |
| WO2010030560A2 (en) * | 2008-09-09 | 2010-03-18 | Ceramatec, Inc. | Previous concrete comprising a geopolymerized pozzolanic ash binder |
| WO2015149176A1 (en) * | 2014-03-31 | 2015-10-08 | The University Of British Columbia | Geopolymer cement compositions and methods of making and using same |
-
2015
- 2015-11-25 NO NO20151609A patent/NO20151609A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2016
- 2016-11-23 WO PCT/NO2016/050235 patent/WO2017091082A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4770708A (en) * | 1985-11-01 | 1988-09-13 | Coal Industry (Patents) Limited | Method of disposing of mining tailings |
| US4859367A (en) * | 1987-10-02 | 1989-08-22 | Joseph Davidovits | Waste solidification and disposal method |
| US5349118A (en) * | 1990-09-04 | 1994-09-20 | Joseph Davidovits | Method for obtaining a geopolymeric binder allowing to stabilize, solidify and consolidate toxic or waste materials |
Non-Patent Citations (2)
| Title |
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| Drechsler, M. et al., "Geopolymers – An Innovative Materials Technology Bringing Resource Sustainability to Construction and Mining Industries", 48th Institute of Quarrying Conference 12-15 October 2005, Adelaide SA., Dated: 01.01.0001 * |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2017091082A2 (en) | 2017-06-01 |
| WO2017091082A3 (en) | 2017-08-10 |
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