Thickened Slurry Disposal

This research consists of optimizing a waste disposal process wherein a thickened slurry is pumped into a diked containment area and allowed to desiccate before an overlying layer is placed. The interaction among the various aspects of this problem is very complex, and considerable experimental and analytical effort is being directed toward developing a descriptive mathematical model. The rheological properties of the thickened slurry must be such that a relatively thin layer with broad areal dimensions will be formed as the material is pumped. The deposition process is complicated by the fact that the underlying layer is dewatering the newly placed layer due to a difference in soil-water potential. Once the new layer is deposited, desiccation begins due to atmospheric conditions, and the succeeding layer should not be placed until an appropriate gain in strength and dry density has been achieved. This project has involved extensive laboratory and field work, and it has led to the development of an equilibrium mathematical model for the deposition process and several empirical correlations for the mechanical properties.

Related Publications


Thickened Slurry Disposal Method for Process Tailings, by B. Palmer and R.J. Krizek, Proceedings of the Speciality Conference on Geotechnical Practice for Waste Disposal, Ann Arbor, Michigan , American Society of Civil Engineers, 728-743, 1987.

Permeability and Compressibility of Slurries from Seepage-Induced Consolidation, by A. Huerta, G. Kriegsmann, and R.J. Krizek, Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, ASCE , 114, 5, 614-627, 1988.

Properties of Sedimented Double Alkali FGD Slurries, by S. Tatioussian, D.K. Atmatzidis, and R.J. Krizek, Proceedings of the Specialty Conference on Hydraulic Fill Structures, Fort Collins, Colorado , American Society of Civil Engineers, 778-794, 1988.


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For more information contact:
Dr. Raymond J. Krizek
rjkrizek@northwestern.edu