Phosphogypsum Disposal

Ardaman engineers have developed specially designed column tests for leachate collection material evaluation that allow recirculation of process water. Probes are installed at various depths in the soil column of potential drain material to determine the head loss and changes in permeability along the full length of the tested sample. Typical results of two samples tested in this way reveal one of the soils is not affected by process water leaching, the other is shown to be adversely affected to a significant extent due to reaction with process water and the formation of various gels and crystals causing clogging. Finding a suitable soil for use in an underdrain system that performs its intended use over the life of the facility requires extensive testing. It is extremely important that drain materials selected be compatible with generated process wastes.

Ardaman has performed extensive long-term testing of synthetic liners to simulate long-term performance under stress in the adverse process water environment beneath gypsum stacks, and to determine the resistance of various synthetic liners to stress-induced corrosion. Results indicate that non-resin components of a given generic liner may be affected by process water even when the base resin is inert, thus underscoring the need to test specific liner formulations produced by manufacturers.