Applications & Projects
Acid Mine Drainage 
Acid generation occurs naturally when waste rock and tailing containing metals are exposed to water and oxygen. The result is contaminated, toxic water that left untreated, will cause damage and create another incident of the most serious environmental liability in the mining industry.
The US Environmental Protection Agency ranks mining as the US’s top toxic polluter, reporting more toxic releases annually than any other industry sector. The EPA estimates that over 40% of US western waterways are contaminated by mining activities. As long as there is mining, acid mine drainage must be treated.
The Traditional Treatment
Most AMD contains high concentrations of iron that needs to be removed from solution by oxidization at a neutral pH. Conventional lime treatment oxidize using a system of large reactor tanks, impellor agitators, oxygen diffusers, and air compressors. In these systems, oxygen transfer ranges between only 10% and 15% under optimal operating conditions, and agitators do not thoroughly mix and dissolve lime. As a result, more oxygen, lime, energy and maintenance are required to precipitate metals and treat the toxic water.
The Superior Advantages of IWT Technologies
- RCTS: This technology is a lower cost, effective alternative to conventional lime treatment, engineered to avoid the pitfalls of conventional tank systems. By comparison, this patented design increases lime efficiency, lowers lime consumption, reduces maintenance and operations demands, requires less residence time and significantly reduces sludge generation.
- Sulfate-Reducing Bioreactors: IWT designs, constructs and operates sulfate-reducing bioreactors at sites where lime precipitation is not the appropriate solution. Unlike alternative bioreactors, IWT’s bioreactors are designed for longevity, handle non-consistent flows, reduce plugging and tolerate condition changes – a must for remotely located sites.
IWT solutions promote successful mining and environmental stewardship
without sacrificing good business.
Treating Mining’s Worst Environmental Liability: Acid Contamination
© Ionic Water Technologies, Inc. PO BOX 3336, Reno, Nevada 89505 | info@iwtechnologies.com Privacy Policy
Tel: (775) 321-8100 · Fax: (775) 321-8109
Web Design by Westward Strategy