WO2021232103A1

WO2021232103A1 - Mine wastewater desludging apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2021232103A1
Application number: PCT/AU2021/050473
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ryan Wallis
Original assignee: Ryan Wallis
Priority date: 2020-05-20
Filing date: 2021-05-20
Publication date: 2021-11-25
Also published as: AU2021274305A1

Abstract

Mine wastewater desludging apparatus has a wastewater inlet leading to a conical separator tank having a lower conical separator tank outlet and an upper overflow weir leading to a conical separator tank overflow outlet. The conical separator tank overflow outlet leads to a baffle plate settling tank having at least one baffle plate therein defining a plurality of compartments into which water flows successively over the top edge of each baffle plate. The baffle plate settling tank having a last compartment outlet leading to a clean water outlet and each compartment has a compartment sludge outlet.

Description

Mine wastewater desludging apparatus

Field of the Invention

[0001 ] This invention relates generally to desludging apparatus and, more particularly, to mine wastewater desludging apparatus.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Sludge and debris in mine wastewater pumped from sumps has been an inherent and costly problem for the underground industry for decades.

[0003] Premature rotor and stator burnout may be caused by sand, sludge and debris being channelled into finely machined parts causing grinding to the extent that pumps can no longer work at capacity or even cause complete blockage resulting in motor burnout.

[0004] Some mines replace pumps at 2000 hours or less which not only carries the obvious capital and parts expenditure but also loss from unplanned personnel resources and outages. Conservative figures suggest a pump change out can cost upwards of $50,000 at today’s rates.

[0005] In an effort to mitigate these problems, some mines resort to using settling tanks to remove debris but which however require costly manual cleaning and dumping multiple times a day. It is estimated that it takes approximately a 1 .5 - 2 hour round trip for maintenance personnel to leave, clean a tank and return to normal duties. Normally this maintenance would be carried out twice a day.

[0006] Furthermore, sediment from mine wastewater may ends up in dedicated settlement pond or tailings dams which may require periodic dredging to regain capacity which usually starts at multiples of $100,000 at today’s rates. Alternatively, raising a dam wall or building a new tailings dam can cost upwards of $40M at today’s rates.

[0007] The present invention seeks to provide desludging apparatus, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative. [0008] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Disclosure

[0009] There is provided herein wastewater desludging apparatus comprising a wastewater inlet leading to a conical separator tank. The conical separator tank has a lower conical separator tank outlet and an upper overflow weir leading to a conical separator tank overflow outlet.

[0010] The separation by the conical separator tank begins as soon as contaminated water enters the apparatus which causes entrained particles to be separated outwardly by reverse cyclone which slows and falls to a conical separator tank outlet. The design of the present conical separator tank reduces particle settlement time. [0011 ] Cleaner water flows over an upper proprietary weir and out via a conical separator tank overflow outlet which ensures that only cleaner water moves to the onto the next stage of filtration in a baffle plate settling tank.

[0012] The conical separator tank overflow outlet leads to the baffle plate settling tank having at least one compartmentalising baffle plate therein defining a plurality of settling compartments. Water flows over the top edge of each baffle plate into each compartment successively. The baffle plate settling tank has a last compartment outlet leading to a clean water outlet. Furthermore, each compartment comprises a compartment sludge outlet.

[0013] This second stage uses flow velocity and a unique baffle plate settling tank design to further separate clean water from sludge.

[0014] A suction pump interfaces the conical separator tank outlet and each compartment sludge outlet to suck sludge accretion therefrom in use.

[0015] The apparatus may comprise an arrangement of pressure transducers and/or load sensors to automatically detect sludge accretion within the conical separator tank and the baffle plate settling tank to automate removal of sludge accretion.

[0016] Sludge drained in this way may be piped into a dump tank or can be further refined to cake or be transported by a trunk, conveyor or similar to the surface. [0017] Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of the particular configuration of the present conical separator tank and baffle plate settling tank was performed using a Multiphase flow simulation with Dense Discrete Phase model (DDPM) using Eulerian method and for which velocity streamline flow simulation is provided in Figure 12. To accurately model a slurry, 1 Euler Phase (Water, 998kg/m^A3) and 3 different DDPM particles consisting majority of Particle 1 with small amounts of less dense Particle 2 and Particle 3. The details of the different DDPM phases were as follows: Particle 1 , 1300Kg/m^A3(Majority, 70% of the Volume Fraction); Particle 2, 1100kg/m^A3 (Minority, 15% of the Volume Fraction) and Particle 3, 600kg/m^A3 (Minority, 15% of the Volume Fraction). All the particles were considered inert and granular in nature with diameters ranging from 1 mm to 1 cm with mean diameter close to the lower end of the range. The diameter variations were based on rosin-rammler distribution.

[0018] The simulation suggests that most particles (95%) were contained in the conical separator tank itself. However, the lighter particles with the lowest density travelled as far as 3rd stage of baffle plate settling tank. Very few (2%) particles however were able to escape from the clean water outlet.

[0019] The design of the present apparatus is relatively compact and small form factor allowing the apparatus to be deployed underground. In this regard, the apparatus may be bourne atop skids which may be manoeuvred by forklift and which may comprise rated interconnecting rated lifting and pull lugs.

[0020] According to one aspect, there is provided mine wastewater desludging apparatus comprising: a wastewater inlet leading to a conical separator tank having a lower conical separator tank outlet and an upper overflow weir leading to a conical separator tank overflow outlet, the conical separator tank overflow outlet leading to a baffle plate settling tank having at least one baffle plate therein defining a plurality of compartments into which water flows successively over the top edge of each baffle plate, the baffle plate settling tank having a last compartment outlet leading to a clean water outlet and each compartment comprising a compartment sludge outlet [0021] The apparatus may further comprise a controller which detects sludge accretion in at least one of the conical separator tank and the baffle plate settling tank and which automates the draining of sludge therefrom accordingly.

[0022] At least one of the conical separator tank and the baffle plate settling tank may comprise a pressure transducer operative to gauge the pressure of the sludge accretion therein and the controller may be operatively coupled to the pressure transducer to drain sludge when the pressure exceeds a threshold.

[0023] At least one of the conical separator tank and the baffle plate settling tank may comprise a load cell operative to determine a weight thereof to detect sludge accretion therein and the controller may be operatively coupled to the load cell to drain sludge when the weight exceeds a threshold.

[0024] The apparatus may further comprise a suction pump interfacing the conical separator tank outlet and each compartment sludge outlet to suck sludge therefrom via a sludge outlet in use.

[0025] the apparatus may further comprise a controller operably coupled to the suction pump to automate the draining of sludge therefrom by operating the suction pump accordingly.

[0026] The controller may periodically automatically operate the suction pump at set time intervals.

[0027] The controller may detect sludge accretion in at least one of the conical separator tank and the baffle plate settling tank and automates the operation of the suction pump accordingly.

[0028] At least one of the conical separator tank outlet and at least one of the compartment sludge outlets may comprise at least one respective electronically controlled valve.

[0029] The apparatus may further comprise a controller operably coupled to the electronically controlled valve to automate the draining of sludge therefrom by opening the electronically controlled valve. [0030] The controller may detect sludge accretion in at least one of the conical separator tank and the baffle plate settling tank and automates the opening of the electronically controlled valve accordingly.

[0031] The conical separator tank may comprise a central upright cylinder and the wastewater inlet leads tangentially into an interior of the central upright cylinder to create a vortex within the conical separator tank.

[0032] Water may flow from a lower end of the cylinder into the interior of the conical separator tank.

[0033] The overflow weir may have a notched edge.

[0034] The apparatus may be bourne atop skids.

[0035] The skids may comprise forklift tine apertures thereacross.

[0036] The conical separator tank may comprise a body comprising an upper cylindrical section and a bottom frustoconical section leading to the conical separator tank outlet.

[0037] Each compartment sludge outlet may be located at a lowermost point of each respective compartment.

[0038] The conical separator tank and the baffle plate settling tank may be located adjacent each other atop a framework and each fitting between edges of the framework.

[0039] Pipework may be reticulated beneath and around lower edges of the conical separator tank and the baffle plate settling tank on the framework.

[0040] The apparatus may further comprise a dump tank and wherein sludge pumped from the suction pump via the sludge outlet may be pumped into an upper opening of the dump tank via drain piping.

[0041] The dump tank may comprise a removable base which removably engages apparatus framework.

[0042] The removable base may comprise forklift tine apertures therethrough.

[0043] The suction pump may be held by a removable frame which removably engages apparatus framework.

[0044] The suction pump may be hot swappable. [0045] The removable frame may comprise forklift tine engagements.

[0046] An outlet pump may interface the last compartment outlet and the clean water outlet and the outlet pump may be held by removable frame which removably engages apparatus framework.

[0047] The baffle plate may comprise alternatively upwardly extending and a downwardly extending baffle plates causing alternative overflow and underflow across respective top and bottom edges thereof.

[0048] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of desludging mine wastewater using the apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , the method comprising pumping wastewater into the wastewater inlet and separately drawing separated sludge from the conical separator tank outlet and each compartment sludge outlet and cleaner water from the clean water outlet.

[0049] The method further may comprise detecting sludge accretion within the conical separator tank and the baffle plate settling tank to automatically operate the suction pump.

[0050] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0051 ] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0052] Figure 1 shows a rear left side perspective view of wastewater desludging apparatus in accordance with an embodiment;

[0053] Figure 2 shows a front side perspective view of the apparatus;

[0054] Figure 3 shows a right-side cross-sectional elevation view of the apparatus; [0055] Figure 4 shows a top plan view of the apparatus;

[0056] Figure 5 shows a rear elevation view of the apparatus;

[0057] Figure 6 shows a front cross-sectional elevation view of the apparatus;

[0058] Figures 7 and eight show perspective views of the apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment;

[0059] Figure 9 shows a removable dump tank in accordance with an embodiment; [0060] Figure 10 shows a removable suction pump in accordance with an embodiment;

[0061 ] Figure 11 shows a removable outlet motor and pump in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0062] Figure 12 shows particle flow simulation results from CFD analysis. Description of Embodiments

[0063] Wastewater desludging apparatus 100 comprises a conical separator tank 101 and a baffle plate settling tank 102. The tanks 101 , 102 may be bourne atop apparatus framework comprising skids 103 which may comprise interconnecting rated lifting and pull lugs 104 for coupling to further apparatus 100 or other equipment and which may comprise forklift tine apertures 105 thereacross.

[0064] The apparatus 100 may be relatively compact so as to be deployed underground in confined spaces. In this regard, the conical separator tank 101 and the baffle plate settling tank 102 may be located adjacent each other atop the framework and each fitting between edges of the framework, thereby defining a relatively generally rectangular compact framework. Various pumps, pipework and the like may be reticulated beneath and around lower edges of the conical separator tank and the baffle plate settling tank. Furthermore, the apparatus 100 may have a limited height to fit within underground spaces, such as less than 2 m in height. [0065] The apparatus 100 comprises a wastewater inlet 106 leading to the conical separator tank 101. Wastewater is pumped from a sump or the like into the wastewater inlet 106. The conical separator tank 101 comprises a body which may comprise an upper cylindrical section 108 and a bottom frustoconical section 109. [0066] The inlet 106 may lead tangentially into a central cylinder 107 into the interior of the conical separator tank 101 to create a vortex. Water may escape from an lower open end of the central cylinder 107. Orthogonal bracing 132 may hold the central cylinder 107 centrally.

[0067] Entrained particles migrate outwardly under effect of the vortex which slows outwardly, thereby allowing the particles to sink to the bottom of the tank 101. [0068] The conical separator tank 101 leads to a lower conical separator tank outlet

110 where sludge settles.

[0069] The settling tank 101 comprises an annular upper overflow weir 1 11 . The weir

11 1 may have a flotsam separating notched weir edge 1 12. The annular overflow weir 11 1 leads via a conical separator tank overflow outlet 115 to the baffle plate settling tank 102. Cleaner water rises to flow over the weir 11 1.

[0070] The baffle plate settling tank 102 has at least one baffle plate 1 16 therein defining a plurality of compartments 1 17. In the embodiment shown, the baffle plate settling tank 102 comprises two baffle plates 116, thereby defining three compartments 1 17, the conical separator tank overflow outlet 115 leading into a first compartment 1 17 thereof. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the baffle plate settling tank 102 comprises oppositely orientated baffle plates 116 causing alternative overflow and underflow. Specifically, embodiment shown, the tank 102 comprises a first upwardly extending baffle plate 116 followed by a downwardly extending baff le plate 1 16 followed by a further upwardly extending baffle plate. As such, flow goes over the first baffle plate 1 16, under the second baffle plate 116 and over the third baffle plate 1 16 to the outlet 119. Whereas the embodiment shown shows the second baffle plate 1 16 terminating substantially at upper edges of the adjacent baffle plates 160 and, in embodiments, the second baffle plate 1 16 extends substantially therebetween, so as to leave only a gap from an edge of the second baffle plate 116 to the floor of the baffle tank 102 similar to the gap shown above the adjacent baffle plate 1 16.

[0071 ] Water flows successively between the compartments 1 17 over top edges 118 (or bottom edges in embodiments) of the baffles 1 16 with sludge settling towards the bottom of each compartment 1 17.

[0072] A last compartment 117 comprises a last compartment outlet 1 19 leading to a clean water outlet 120. A manual gate valve 122 may interface the last compartment outlet 1 19 and the clean water outlet 120. An upper rim of the outlet 1 19 may be raised from the floor of the last compartment 117 so as to collect water away from any sludge accumulated therein. [0073] An outlet motor 121 may drive an outlet pump 145 which pumps relatively cleaner water from the last component outlet 119 to the clean water outlet 120. With reference to Figure 1 1 , a removable high-density polyethylene guard 146 may protect a drive belt between the motor 121 and pump 145. In embodiments, the apparatus 100 does not use an outlet pump 145, rather allowing the sludge to flow from the compartments 117 under the effect of gravity.

[0074] Each compartment 1 17 comprises a compartment sludge outlet 123. With reference to Figure 5, each compartment sludge outlet 123 may be located at a side lowermost point 124 where sludge tends to settle. Furthermore, with reference to Figure 3, at least one sludge outlet 123 may be located at a longitudinal lowermost point 125.

[0075] The apparatus 100 may further comprise a suction pump 127 operably coupled to suck accumulated sludge from the conical separator tank outlet 110 and out via a sludge outlet 128. The suction pump 127 may be an air operated diaphragm pump. [0076] The suction pump 127 may be further operably coupled to each compartment sludge outlet 123 to suck sludge from each compartment 1 17.

[0077] The suction pump 127 may be configured to operate periodically to suck sludge from the conical separator tank 101 and the compartments 1 17 of the baffle plate settling tank 102. The apparatus 100 may detect sludge accretion in the conical separator tank 100 and the compartments 107 to automatically operate the suction pump 127.

[0078] With reference to Figure 6, the conical separator tank outlet 110 and/or each compartment sludge outlet 123 may comprise a pressure transducer 126 operably coupled thereto to measure the specific gravity of sludge accretion thereabove. [0079] Alternatively, one or more load sensors operative beneath the conical separator tank 101 and/or baffle plate settling tank 102 may detect weight thereof exceeding a threshold, indicative of substantial sludge accretion. The pressure transducer 126 or the load sensors may be operably coupled to the suction pump 127 so that the suction pump 127 automatically operates to remove the sludge accretion from the conical separator tank 101 and/or the baffle plate settling tank 102. [0080] A controller may operably interface the pressure transducer 126 or the load sensors to control the periodic operation of the suction pump 127.

[0081] For example, when the pressure transducer 126 detects sufficient accumulation of sludge at the conical separator tank outlet 110 and/or each compartment sludge outlet 123 (which may be determined by a set pressure threshold), the controller may operate the suction pump 127 to suck sludge. Alternatively, when the one or more load sensors detects the weight of the conical separator tank 101 and/or the baffle plate settling tank 102 exceeding a threshold, the controller may operate the suction pump 127 to suck sludge therefrom.

[0082] In embodiments, the conical separator tank outlet 110 may comprise an electronically operated valve, such as a butterfly valve, which opens when the pressure transducer 126 detects pressure exceeding the threshold. As such, when the pressure transducer 126 detects sufficient accumulation of sludge at the conical separator tank outlet 110, the controller may open the butterfly valve.

[0083] In embodiments, when the suction pump 127 operates to suck sludge from the conical separator tank 101 , the suction pump 127 may also simultaneously suck sludge from each compartment 117, a mode of operation adequate if sludge accumulates faster within the conical separator tank 101 as opposed to within each compartment 117.

[0084] Alternatively, each compartment sludge outlet 123 may comprise an independently controllable valve. Whereas a single suction pump 127 may interface both the conical separator tank outlet 110 and the compartment sludge outlets 123, the individual operation of the respective valves may allow the apparatus 100 to individually drain the conical separator tank 101 or each compartment 117 of the baffle plate settling tank 102.

[0085] In embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further comprise a pressure transducer for each compartment sludge outlet 123 each independently used to operate the suction pump 127 when sludge accumulates sufficiently in any one of the compartments 117. [0086] In embodiments, the controller may automate the operation of the suction pump 127 timer. The timer may be used in isolation (i.e. without pressure and/or load cell sensors) or in conjunction with pressure and/or load cells sensors as a backup thereto.

[0087] In embodiments, the apparatus 100 does not use the suction pump 127 wherein sludge is forced flows from the outlet 1 10 of the conical separator tank 101 to a drain by the pressure therein. In accordance with this embodiment, the conical separator tank 101 may yet comprise a valve which is controlled by the controller to open to drain sludge therefrom when required.

[0088] The apparatus 100 may further comprise an inspection gangway 129 adjacent the baffle plate settling tank 102 having safety railing 130 and a ladder 131 leading thereto.

[0089] Figures 7 and 8 show an embodiment wherein the apparatus 100 comprises a dump tank 133 which may comprise a generally cylindrical section 134 defining an upper open end 135. Sludge pumped from the suction pump 127 be pumped via drain piping 136 into the dump tank 133. The dump tank 133 may be supported between posts 137. The dump tank 133 may comprise a lower conical section 138 which may be supported by an annulus 139.

[0090] Figure 9 shows an embodiment wherein the dump tank 133 is removable. In this regard, the dump tank 133 may be supported atop a removable base 140 which removably engages the apparatus framework. In the embodiment shown, the supporting posts 137 may extend vertically from the base 140. The removable base 140 may comprise forklift tine apertures 147.

[0091 ] Figure 10 shows an embodiment wherein the suction pump 127 is removable. Similarly, the suction pump 127 may be engaged to a removable frame 141. The frame 141 may comprise channels 142 which may be engaged by forklift tines to manoeuvre the frame 141 . In embodiments, the removable suction pump 127 may be hot swapped in between the automatic operation of the suction pump 127 by the apparatus 100. [0092] Figure 11 shows an embodiment wherein the outlet motor 121 and pump 145 is removable. In this embodiment, the outlet pump 121 is borne atop a removable skid 143 which releasably engages apparatus framework. The skid 143 may comprise forklift tine apertures 144 for manoeuvring the skid 143.

[0093] Whereas the present apparatus 100 has been described primarily with reference to application for mine wastewater desludging, the apparatus 100 has application in other fields too, including industry and agriculture.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, working parts (such as the tanks 101 and 102 and/or piping) of the apparatus 100 are made of High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or similar.

[0095] In embodiments, the inlet 106 of the apparatus 100 is connected to a pump at a mine face which pumps water from the face via a hose to the apparatus 100. To reduce or prevent shotcrete fibres from entering and potentially blocking and/or damaging the pump, an inlet for the pump may take water from a body adjacent a ripple or wave maker which makes ripples or waves within the body of water to push the shotcrete fibres to the outer edges of the body of water away from the intake of the pump.

[0096] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention. [0097] The term “approximately” or similar as used herein should be construed as being within 10% of the value stated unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

1 . Mine wastewater desludging apparatus comprising: a wastewater inlet leading to a conical separator tank having a lower conical separator tank outlet and an upper overflow weir leading to a conical separator tank overflow outlet, the conical separator tank overflow outlet leading to a baffle plate settling tank having at least one baffle plate therein defining a plurality of compartments into which water flows successively over the top edge of each baffle plate, the baffle plate settling tank having a last compartment outlet leading to a clean water outlet and each compartment comprising a compartment sludge outlet.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a controller which detects sludge accretion in at least one of the conical separator tank and the baffle plate settling tank and which automates the draining of sludge therefrom accordingly.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one of the conical separator tank and the baffle plate settling tank comprises a pressure transducer operative to gauge the pressure of the sludge accretion therein and wherein the controller is operatively coupled to the pressure transducer to drain sludge when the pressure exceeds a threshold.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one of the conical separator tank and the baffle plate settling tank comprises a load cell operative to determine a weight thereof to detect sludge accretion therein and wherein the controller is operatively coupled to the load cell to drain sludge when the weight exceeds a threshold.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a suction pump interfacing the conical separator tank outlet and each compartment sludge outlet to suck sludge therefrom via a sludge outlet in use.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a controller operably coupled to the suction pump to automate the draining of sludge therefrom by operating the suction pump accordingly.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the controller periodically automatically operates the suction pump at set time intervals.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the controller detects sludge accretion in at least one of the conical separator tank and the baffle plate settling tank and automates the operation of the suction pump accordingly.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least one of the conical separator tank outlet and at least one of the compartment sludge outlets comprises at least one respective electronically controlled valve.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a controller operably coupled to the electronically controlled valve to automate the draining of sludge therefrom by opening the electronically controlled valve.

11 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the controller detects sludge accretion in at least one of the conical separator tank and the baffle plate settling tank and automates the opening of the electronically controlled valve accordingly.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the conical separator tank comprises a central upright cylinder and wherein the wastewater inlet leads tangentially into an interior of the central upright cylinder to create a vortex within the conical separator tank.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein water flows from a lower end of the cylinder into the interior of the conical separator tank.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the overflow weir has a notched edge.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is bourne atop skids.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the skids comprise forklift tine apertures thereacross.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the conical separator tank comprises a body comprising an upper cylindrical section and a bottom frustoconical section leading to the conical separator tank outlet.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each compartment sludge outlet is located at a lowermost point of each respective compartment.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the conical separator tank and the baffle plate settling tank are located adjacent each other atop a framework and each fitting between edges of the framework.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein pipework is reticulated beneath and around lower edges of the conical separator tank and the baffle plate settling tank on the framework.

21 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a dump tank and wherein sludge pumped from the suction pump via the sludge outlet is pumped into an upper opening of the dump tank via drain piping.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the dump tank comprises a removable base which removably engages apparatus framework.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the removable base comprises forklift tine apertures therethrough.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the suction pump is held by a removable frame which removably engages apparatus framework.

25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein the suction pump is hot swappable.

26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein the removable frame comprises forklift tine engagements.

27. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein an outlet pump interfaces the last compartment outlet and the clean water outlet and wherein the outlet pump is held by removable frame which removably engages apparatus framework.

28. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the baffle plate comprises alternatively upwardly extending and a downwardly extending baffle plates causing alternative overflow and underflow across respective top and bottom edges thereof.

29. A method of desludging mine wastewater using the apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , the method comprising pumping wastewater into the wastewater inlet and separately drawing separated sludge from the conical separator tank outlet and each compartment sludge outlet and cleaner water from the clean water outlet.

30. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the method further comprises detecting sludge accretion within the conical separator tank and the baffle plate settling tank to automatically operate the suction pump.