Project Information
The project involves the treatment of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) using the High-Density Sludge (HDS) process, a proven lime neutralization and sludge recycling technology designed to achieve efficient metal removal, stable sludge formation, and high-quality effluent discharge.
In the HDS process, hydrated lime is dosed into acidic mine water containing dissolved metals and sulfates. The neutralization reaction increases pH, leading to the precipitation of metal hydroxides and gypsum. Recycled sludge from the clarifier is introduced back into the reactor, promoting particle growth, enhancing settleability, and producing a dense, easily dewatered slurry.
The slurry passes to a clarifier, where solid-liquid separation occurs: clarified water is discharged for reuse or environmental release, while a portion of the thickened sludge is recycled to sustain the process and the excess is removed for secure disposal. The pilot plant is designed for a throughput of 30 m³/h and will operate in continuous mode, ensuring consistent treatment performance and reliable compliance with environmental standards.
Project Details
- Lime storage and preparation
- Lime milk storage and dosing
- AMD collection and equalization
- Sludge recycle conditioning
- Neutralization and precipitation
- Sludge thickening
- Effluent discharge
- Sludge recycling and disposal
- Neutralization, settling and flocculation testing
- Process design criteria (PDC) and process flowsheets development
- Process design and engineering
- Equipment specification and layout design
- Reagent selection
- Construction and mechanical assembly of equipment and piping
- Commissioning and performance testing
