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Example ApplicationMining & Minerals

Acid Mine Drainage Treatment

This is an illustrative scenario showing how Reynolds & Bauhm equipment can be configured for this application. Every site has unique requirements — contact us for a solution tailored to your specific wastewater characteristics.

Process Requirements & Constraints

Underground gold-copper mine producing 350 m3/day of acid mine drainage with pH 2.8, total iron 850 mg/L, aluminium 120 mg/L, copper 45 mg/L, and suspended solids 2,500 mg/L. The water requires neutralisation and metals precipitation before discharge to a receiving stream with limits of pH 6-9, iron <2 mg/L, copper <0.5 mg/L.

Key Performance Targets
pH 7.0
Final effluent pH
<2
Iron mg/L
<0.3
Copper mg/L
99.5%
Metals removal
32%
Cake solids
24/7
Unattended operation

Treatment Approach

Step-by-step process configuration from raw wastewater to compliant discharge.

01

Raw Water Collection

Acid mine water collected in equalization lagoon with 72-hour retention for flow balancing and partial iron oxidation. Online pH monitoring triggers automated lime dosing.

02

Lime Slurry neutralisation

Hydrated lime slurry (10% w/v) dosed via automated pH control loop targeting pH 7.5. Rapid mix tank with 2-minute retention ensures complete neutralisation and metals precipitation as hydroxides.

03

Lamella Clarification

Lamella clarifier with 60-degree inclined plates achieves 12 m/h upflow velocity. Settling area of 180 m2 captures precipitated metal hydroxides. Effluent TSS <15 mg/L.

04

Filter Press Dewatering

Precipitated sludge at 3% solids thickened to 8% then dewatered via plate filter press to 32% cake solids. Dry cake disposed as non-hazardous waste. Filtrate returned to equalization.

05

Final Polishing

Multimedia sand filter captures residual suspended solids. Effluent pH adjusted to 7.0 with CO2 dosing for final compliance. Discharge meets all stream limits.

Equipment Configuration

The specific equipment selected for this application, sized for the flow rate and contaminant load.

Lime Dosing System

Automated lime slurry preparation with 5 m3 day tank, progressive cavity dosing pump, and pH feedback control.

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Lamella Clarifier

Carbon steel with epoxy coating, 180 m2 settling area, 60-degree plate angle, bottom hopper sludge collection.

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Plate Filter Press

800x800 mm plates, 40 chamber, automatic cloth wash, cake discharge to skip. Cycle time 3 hours.

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Multimedia Filter

Dual-media sand/anthracite, 1.2 m diameter, 8 m/h filtration rate, automatic backwash on headloss.

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Performance Achieved

Representative performance data based on typical operating conditions for this equipment configuration.

pH 7.0
Final effluent pH
<2
Iron mg/L
<0.3
Copper mg/L
99.5%
Metals removal
32%
Cake solids
24/7
Unattended operation

Related Equipment

Explore the full range of equipment used in this and similar applications.

pH Controller

Online pH monitoring with automated acid/alkali dosing for precise pH control.

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Sludge Thickener

Gravity thickening from 3% to 8% solids before dewatering.

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Progressive Cavity Pump

Reliable transfer of lime slurry and thickened sludge.

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CO2 Dosing System

Gentle pH adjustment for final effluent polishing.

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Related Treatment Processes

Discover how these treatment processes connect to form complete wastewater treatment solutions.

Project Approach & Engineering

Reynolds & Bauhm follows a structured engineering methodology for every project. We begin with detailed wastewater characterisation, process selection based on contaminant profiles, pilot testing where required, and full-scale design with performance guarantees. Our multidisciplinary team of chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineers ensures seamless integration of process, mechanical, and control disciplines.

Characterisation

Comprehensive influent analysis including COD, BOD, TSS, heavy metals, pH, temperature, and flow profiling.

Process Design

Process flow development with P&IDs, mass balances, and hydraulic modelling validated by CFD where appropriate.

Pilot Testing

On-site pilot trials validate performance guarantees under actual operating conditions before capital commitment.

Commissioning

FAT, SAT, performance trials, operator training, and handover documentation ensuring operational readiness.

Equipment Configuration

Pre-TreatmentScreening, grit removal, and flow equalisation
Primary TreatmentDAF or lamella clarification for solids and oil removal
Secondary TreatmentBiological oxidation (activated sludge, MBBR, or SBR)
Tertiary TreatmentFiltration, UV disinfection, or chemical polishing
Sludge ManagementThickening and dewatering via belt press or centrifuge
Control SystemPLC with HMI touchscreen and optional SCADA integration
Chemical DosingAutomated coagulant, flocculant, and pH correction
MaterialsSS316L, duplex, or rubber-lined carbon steel

Performance Outcomes

COD Removal

85 – 98% chemical oxygen demand reduction depending on process configuration and influent variability.

TSS Removal

90 – 99% suspended solids reduction through combined physical and biological treatment stages.

Water Reuse

Tertiary treatment enables up to 80% water recycling for non-potable process applications.

Apply This Configuration to Your Site

Our engineers will adapt this equipment configuration to your specific wastewater analysis, flow rate, and discharge requirements.

Industries We Serve

Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.