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Aggregate Water Challenge

Aggregate and quarry operations generate large volumes of wash water containing sand, silt, and clay particles. Effective water treatment enables water recycling, reduces freshwater consumption, and ensures compliance with discharge requirements while handling highly variable flow rates and abrasive conditions.

High Solids Loading

Wash water can contain up to 20% solids by weight with abrasive sand and gravel particles. Systems must handle high solids without clogging or excessive wear.

Variable Flow Rates

Flow varies dramatically based on production schedules, weather conditions, and equipment operation. Treatment systems must handle surge flows without bypass.

Abrasive Conditions

Sand and grit cause rapid wear on pumps, pipes, and equipment. Pre-treatment grit removal is essential for equipment protection and longevity.

Water Recycling

Target 90%+ water recycling to minimise freshwater consumption and reduce discharge volumes in water-scarce regions.

Aggregate Applications

Sand Washing

Wash water treatment for sand classification and dewatering operations including cyclone overflow clarification and water recovery.

Crushed Stone Processing

Treatment of wash water from crushing and screening operations handling high solids loading and abrasive particles.

Quarry Dewatering

Groundwater control and treatment for quarry operations including pit sump pumping and discharge compliance.

Stormwater Runoff

Sediment control and treatment of stormwater from stockpiles, processing areas, and haul roads before discharge.

Process Water Recovery

Closed-loop water recycling systems to minimise freshwater intake and achieve sustainable water management.

Truck Wash Water

Treatment of equipment and vehicle wash water containing sediment, oils, and debris from quarry operations.

5-Step Aggregate Water Treatment Process

1

Screening

Coarse screening removes large debris, rocks, and vegetation from wash water before further treatment.

2

Grit Removal

Sand traps remove coarse sand and gravel to protect downstream equipment from abrasive wear.

3

Clarification

LAMELLA separators settle fine silt and clay particles, producing clear water for recycling.

4

Thickening

Sludge thickening concentrates settled solids for efficient dewatering and reduced disposal requirement.

5

Dewatering

Screw presses dewater thickened sludge for disposal or potential reuse as fill material.

Recommended Equipment

Sand Traps

High-efficiency grit removal to protect downstream equipment from abrasive sand and gravel particles.

Equipment Protection

LAMELLA Separator

Compact clarification for high solids loading with rapid settling of silt and clay particles.

Compact Design

Rotary Screens

Continuous screening for removing debris and large particles from high-flow wash water streams.

Continuous Operation

Screw Press

Low-energy dewatering of settled solids producing stackable cake for disposal or reuse.

Low Energy

Self-Cleaning Filters

Final polishing filtration for recovered water before reuse in wash plants and dust suppression.

Water Reuse

Containerised Systems

Mobile treatment plants for temporary quarry operations and seasonal aggregate processing.

Mobile Solution

Key Benefits & Efficiency Gains

Recycle 90%+ of wash water
Reduce freshwater consumption
Handle high solids loading efficiently
Protect equipment from abrasive wear
Compact footprint for limited space
Meet discharge requirements
Low operating and maintenance requirements
Robust design for quarry environments

Related Mining Applications

Tailings Management

Efficient solid-liquid separation for fines thickening and water recovery.

Explore Mining Tailings

Process Water Treatment

Clarification and filtration for aggregate processing water circuits.

Explore Mining Process Water

Site Dewatering

High-capacity dewatering for quarry and pit operations.

Explore Mining Dewatering

Environmental Compliance

Meet discharge requirements for aggregate operations.

Explore Mining Environmental

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Optimise Your Quarry Water Treatment

Contact our experts for customised solutions for your aggregate operation.

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