ProMixUSA is a Tar sands static mixers leader in mixing and systems engineering, has a proven track record with hundreds of thousands of mixers in operation. With installations across all fifty states and internationally.
Our expertise in designing and supplying custom mixing systems spans a wide range of markets, including:
- Oil and Gas Industries
- Water/Waste Treatment
Here’s a notable example of how ProMixUSA delivered an energy-efficient mixing solution for a client in the oil sands sector:
Introduced Directives
In 2009, Alberta’s Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) introduced Directive 074, setting new regulations for Oil Sands tailings. Furthermore, this directive required operators to meet specific criteria and deadlines for tailings management. Mixing polymer with a clay slurry in an Oil Sands Settling Pond is a difficult task to achieve. In addition, this process, known as Tailings Reduction or treatment, requires a low-cost, maintenance-free, and energy-efficient solution. This is to accelerate the reclamation of tailings ponds, which contain clay and sand from bitumen extraction.
ProMixUSA offers Tar sands static mixers, constructed from carbon steel and equipped with mixing elements and an additive port. Furthermore, it allows precise considerations for flow rates, density, and viscosity.
By injecting the polymer upstream of the elements, a shearing action is created with the clay slurry. Furthermore, inducing a chemical reaction to effectively treat the effluent tailings.
The Issues
The issue of tar sands tailings ponds is a significant environmental concern associated with the extraction of bitumen from tar sands. In addition, the tailings ponds are large, reservoirs used to store the byproducts of the extraction process, which include a mixture of water, sand, clay, and residual bitumen. These ponds are necessary because the extraction of bitumen is highly complex and generates a substantial amount of waste.
The primary problem with tailings ponds lies in their size and potential for environmental harm. Futhermore, they are often massive, covering large areas of land, and contain toxic substances such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons. In addition, the management of these ponds is crucial, as improper handling or accidental breaches can lead to contamination of nearby soil and water sources. Finally, over time, tailings ponds can leach harmful chemicals into the environment, posing risks to local wildlife and ecosystems.
Tail Ponds and Tar sands static mixers
Another issue is the long-term stability of these ponds. Engineers design tailings ponds as temporary storage solutions, but operators often leave them in place for many years, sometimes decades. The risk of leaks or structural failures increases over time. This will occur particularly if the ponds are not properly maintained or if they are subjected to extreme weather conditions.
The reclamation of tailings ponds is a challenging and costly process. Efforts to rehabilitate the land typically involve treating and removing the contaminants. As a result, this will gradually be restoring the ecosystem, but this process can be slow and complex. Moreover, experts often debate the effectiveness of reclamation efforts, as they may not fully restore the land to its pre-disturbance state.
Addressing the issues related to tailings ponds requires robust management strategies. This includes regular monitoring, improved waste treatment technologies, and stringent environmental regulations. Properly managing and eventually reclaiming tailings ponds is essential for minimizing their impact. The impact being the environment and protecting surrounding communities.
For more information on how ProMixUSA can assist with your tailings or water treatment needs. Contact us by phone or email with any questions or concerns. Our continuous mixing solutions with ProMixUSA Tar sands static mixers maximize fluid mixing while minimizing energy consumption.