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Field trial of a pulsed limestone diversion well

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Abstract

The use of limestone diversion wells to treat acid mine drainage (AMD) is well-known, but in many cases, acid neutralization is not as complete as would be desired. Reasons for this include channeling of the water through the limestone bed, and the slow reaction rate of the limestone gravel. A new approach to improve the performance of the diversion well was tested in the field at the Jennings Environmental Education Center, near Slippery Rock, PA. In this approach, a finer size distribution of limestone was used so as to allow fluidization of the limestone bed, thus eliminating channeling and increasing particle surface area for faster reaction rates. Also, water flow was regulated through the use of a dosing siphon, so that consistent fluidization of the limestone sand could be achieved. Testing began late in the summer of 2010, and continued through November of 2011. Initial system performance during the 2010 field season was good, with the production of net alkaline water, but hydraulic problems involving air release and limestone sand retention were observed. In the summer of 2011, a finer size of limestone sand was procured for use in the system. This material fluidized more readily, but acid neutralization tapered off after several days. Subsequent observations indicated that the hydraulics of the system was compromised by the formation of iron oxides in the pipe leading to the limestone bed, which affected water distribution and flow through the bed. Although results from the field trial were mixed, it is believed that without the formation of iron oxides and plugging of the pipe, better acid neutralization and treatment would have occurred. Further tests are being considered using a different hydraulic configuration for the limestone sand fluidized bed.

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Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Field trial of a pulsed limestone diversion well
Year Published 2013
Language English
Publisher American Society of Reclamation and Mining
Publisher location Laramie, Wyoming
Contributing office(s) Leetown Science Center
Description 17 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Conference publication
Larger Work Title 2nd Wyoming reclamation and restoration symposium and 30th annual meeting of the American society of mining and reclamation: Reclamation across industries
Conference Title 2nd Wyoming Reclamation and Restoration Symposium and 30th Annual Meeting of the American Soceity of Mining and Reclamation: Reclamation Across Industries
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
Other Geospatial Jennings Environmental Education Center
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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