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