Water Digger Auger Dynamics for Slimes Pond Dewatering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large slimes ponds or tailing storage facilities face the risk of bursting due to excessive water content, posing safety and economic hazards, necessitating rapid dewatering to increase solid concentration and reduce failure risk.
Innovation Solution
A spinning, mud-shearing device known as the Water Digger, featuring a central vertical portion with rotatable floats and radially projecting augers connected to electric motors, which progressively digs a pit in the mud, allowing for the accumulation and removal of 'bleed water' and increasing solid concentration, thereby reducing the risk of dump failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional dewatering methods are used, then water removal is slow and inefficient, but the risk of dump bursting increases due to excessive water content
Solution Approach 1:
The water digger employs a dynamic geometry system where the auger inclination angle can be varied during operation to optimize pit depth and dewatering efficiency. The device also features rotatable floats that adapt to surface conditions, and an adjustable central portion that modifies the digging configuration based on mud consistency and water accumulation, enabling rapid and safe dewatering operations
Solution Approach 2:
The water digger operates autonomously by progressively digging pits, allowing bleed water to accumulate naturally at the pit bottom where it can be pumped out or channeled away for reclamation. The system self-regulates the dewatering process by increasing solid concentration as water is removed, which naturally increases yield stress and reduces dump failure risk without requiring external control interventions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the auger inclination is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the depth of pit being dug cannot be adjusted to optimize dewatering efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The auger inclination angle is made variable during operation through a mechanical adjustment mechanism connected to the central portion. This allows the operator to optimize the pit depth and digging geometry based on the specific conditions of the slimes dump, such as mud consistency, water content, and desired dewatering rate, thereby enhancing adaptability without excessive complexity
3Productivity
If the floats are fixed in position, then the device structure is simpler, but unnecessary drag increases reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The floats are connected to the central portion in a rotatable manner, allowing them to rotate freely on their horizontal axes as the water digger moves across the slimes dump surface. This rotation eliminates unnecessary drag caused by fixed float orientation, improving operational efficiency and mobility while the floats continue to provide buoyancy and stability support
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The Water Digger effectively reduces the risk of slimes dump failure by efficiently removing water, increasing solid concentration, and allowing for the reclamation of process water, thus enhancing safety and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The floats conveniently comprise hollow spherical buoys which are preferably free to rotate on their horizontal axes to prevent unnecessary drag
Implementation Method 2
The flights of the auger forming rotating shearing elements
Data Source
AI summary
A water digger comprises three equi-spaced augers meeting near a lowest point. There are three buoys serving as floats for the water digger.