Mining & Engineering
INDUSTRIAL
Bentonite Clay has been used as a low cost adsorbent to assist with cost effective removal of metals and organic compounds from wastewaters.
The calcium bentonite clays have a high capacity to bind metal ions dissolved in solution. This adsorption, the binding of chemicals to clay surfaces, is a rapid process and the binding is strong.
Once these metals are bound to bentonite clay they can be rapidly separated from water by removing the clay.
Bentonite clay can then be flocculated by adding special flocculating chemicals; these cause the clay to form large aggregates that can be easily removed form water.
Metal ions including copper, zinc, lead, mercury and cadmium bind strongly to the charged surfaces of bentonite clay and can be removed from the water as metal/clay complex.
Similar process occurs with a range of organic chemicals, which also bind strongly onto the bentonite clay surface. These include industrial dyes, solvents, herbicides, pesticides and other toxins.
Watheroo Bentonite has typical world renowned characteristics of a high quality calcium benotnite which are used in several mining and engineering functions including but not limited to:
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Dam Sealing and Water Storage (including tailings dam sealing and evaporation ponds)
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Electrical and Lightening Earthing (ANODE Mix "AM-B1")
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Reative Barrier Technologies including landfill containment.
Dam sealing for water storage and aquaculture
A proven product is DamSeal, our West Australian Bentonite, rich in calcium, particularly suited to sealing dams and ponds when applied correctly.
Bentonite has high levels of absorption qualities, which allows the clay to swell and create an impermeable layer.
Bentonite based liners or barriers systems are very effective, long lasting systems for water and wastewater and contaminant management.
The seal is 'plastic' so does not readily puncture.
Barrier systems
Common uses of these systems:
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Lining/sealant for dams and ponds to reduce water losses through soil
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Lining/sealant of dams and ponds to control movement of pollutants through dam substrate
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Adsorbent liners and barriers to control movement of pollutants through soil in ground water.
The system is effective as a barrier system to restrict the movement of water and dissolved chemicals out of storage ponds or through soil profile.
The bentonite barrier system also adsorbs metals, hydrocarbons and other organic and inorganic chemicals. So bentonite based containment systems restrict movement of water and the movement of toxic chemicals.
Damseal with Bentonite A Damseal, our Watheroo Bentonite, is a proven product particularly suited to sealing dams and ponds when applied correctly. Damseal is not only environmentally safe, but because it is 100% West Australian, it is now an extremely cost effective method of sealing water storage. Bentonite may be used in several ways depending on the soil type and whether it is practical to empty the dam. For dry dams on light or loam soils, a mixed blanket is worked into the soil, and on heavy soils, a pure blanket would be required (similar to a clay lining).
Where a dam still has water, the best application method is to broadcast the Bentonite on the water surface. Rates of application for the above methods are reliant on soil structures and specific conditions within the dam. Our guidelines contain information to assist you in selecting the appropriate application for your needs. A soil engineer or Bentonite Products WA is able to provide further assistance on request.
Treatment of waste waters
Treatment of waste waters from mechanical maintenance activities and removal of suspended and emulsified oils and fats from wastewaters.
Waste water from many industries and can contain emulsified or dispersed fats, oils, grease, fuels or other hydrocarbons. These oils and fats need to be removed prior to discharge or reuse of wastewaters. The high-grade calcium bentonite clays have an affinity for fats and hydrocarbons, when fats and oils are bound to the clay they can be rapidly separated from water.
Bentonite Clay treatment processes for dispersed or emulsified fats, oils and hydrocarbons utilise the affinity of clays for these oils and fats and modern chemistry and engineering to separate the clay/oil complex from water.
Treatment of waste waters containing heavy metals, contaminants or excess turbidity and removal of metal ions and organic compounds dissolved or suspended in water.
Clay has been used as a low cost adsorbent to assist with cost effective removal of metals and organic compounds from wastewaters.
The calcium bentonite clays have a high capacity to bind metal ions dissolved in solution. This adsorption, the binding of chemicals to bentonite clay surfaces, is a rapid process and the binding is strong.
Once these metals are bound to the bentonite clay they can be rapidly separated from water by removing the bentonite clay.
Bentonite clay can then be flocculated by adding special flocculating chemicals; these cause the benonite to form large aggregates that can be easily removed from water.
Metal ions including copper, zinc, lead, mercury and cadmium bind strongly to the charged surfaces of the ebonite clay and can be removed from the water as metal/clay complex.
Similar process occurs with a range of organic chemicals, which also bind strongly onto the clay surface. These include industrial dyes, solvents, herbicides, pesticides and other toxins.
Absorbent material for containing spills of oils and fuels
Watheroo Bentonite has excellent properties for absorbing oil and fuel spills, thereby being an effective material for not only worksite spills but also environmental clean-ups.