Output details

Dewatering of Tunneling Slurry Waste Using Electrokinetic Geosynthetics

Tunnelling slurry waste (water, bentonite and suspended particulates) is a very high-water content, exceptionally low hydraulic conductivity material, requiring high stresses over long periods for conventional dewatering. EPSRC-funded research created experimental evidence to prove the concept of rapid electrokinetic dewatering using non-metallic electrodes, turning a liquid waste (requiring pre-treatment to solidify prior to disposal; see http://tinyurl.com/npat87a) into a solid waste and residual water with, unlike conventional electrokinetic dewatering, a pH acceptable for reuse or disposal. A conceptual scheme for safe and effective treatment processes is described, facilitating applications elsewhere, while industrially-developed modified belts and presses are now being commercially trialled.