FLUID COLLECTION SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention (Technical Field)

The present invention relates to fluid management systems regularly employed to assist various construction, industrial, and transportation activities in handling on-site water issues, perform moisture reduction, etc.

BACKGROUND

Commercial and industrial processes require extensive use of fluid, most commonly aqueous solutions, to process, wash, gather, and/or separate materials. Among these processes are those related to mining, asphalt and cement production, shipping, agriculture, and oil and gas production. The cost of these processes are affected by the availability and price of water. Reclamation of fluid used in these processes, for example, acidic solution from bioleached mineral tailings, is critical for economically sustainable operations. The increasing scarcity of water due to climate change and environmental regulation creates a need for systems to collect fluid without extensive use of powered components or expensive reagents.

What is needed is a system to passively collect fluid from commercial and industrial processes to offset the increased cost of water. The passive collection system should be easily and economically installed at a site to efficiently collect fluid over a prolonged period of time.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system for collecting fluid, the system comprising: a plurality of modular fluid collectors, each modular fluid collector comprising: a geocellular module; a containment membrane below and at least partially disposed around the geocellular module; a filter disposed above the geocellular module; the modular fluid collector disposed at a gradient; at least one modular fluid collector in communication with another modular fluid collector. In another embodiment, the containment membrane comprises a flange. In another embodiment, the containment membrane comprises a folding flap. In another embodiment, the containment membrane comprises a flow port. In another embodiment, the containment membrane comprises a staking tab. In another embodiment, the containment membrane comprises a polymer.

In another embodiment, the system further comprises a drainage core. In another embodiment, the drainage core comprises a fabric. In another embodiment, the drainage core comprises a core liner. In another embodiment, the drainage core comprises a drainage cell. In another embodiment, the drainage cell comprises an attachment interface. In another embodiment, the drainage core is in communication with said plurality of modular fluid collectors.

In another embodiment, the system further comprises a vent conduit. In another embodiment, the system further comprises an outlet conduit. In another embodiment, the system further comprises a collection conduit. In another embodiment, the system further comprises a collection sump.

Embodiments of the present invention also relate to a method for collection fluid, the method comprising: flowing a fluid into a plurality of fluid collection modules comprising a containment membrane; passing a fluid through the containment membrane; receiving the fluid into a cavity; and contacting the fluid with a geocellular module. In another embodiment, the method further comprises flowing the fluid along a gradient. In another embodiment, the method further comprises flowing with fluid through a drainage core. In another embodiment, the method further comprises flowing fluid from the drainage core to the plurality of fluid collection modules.

The details of one or more example embodiments or implementations of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other possible example features and/or possible example advantages will become apparent from the description and the drawings. Some implementations may not have those possible example features and/or possible example advantages, and such possible example features and/or possible example advantages may not necessarily be required of some implementations.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will be set forth in part in the detailed description to follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a modular fluid collector, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a core liner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an installed fluid collection system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a fluid collection system cross section with the system installed substantially perpendicular to a material pile, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a fluid collection system cross section with the system installed substantially horizontal to a material pile, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a plan view of a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a cross section of a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a site layout for a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing site orientations for a fluid collection system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing conveyor and fluid collection systems, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams showing a top down view of core liner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a core liner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams showing folded and unfolded containment membranes respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a wide containment membrane, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a drainage cell, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing interlocking drainage cells, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings may indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The discussion below is directed to certain embodiments/implementations of the present invention. It is to be understood that the discussion below is only for the purpose of enabling a person with ordinary skill in the art to make and use any subject matter defined now or later by the patent claims found in any issued patent related to herein.

It is specifically intended that the combinations of features not be limited to the embodiments, implementations, and illustrations contained herein, but comprise modified forms of those embodiments and implementations including portions and combinations thereof. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment or implementation, as in any engineering project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one embodiment or implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of fabrication and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. Nothing in this application is considered critical or essential to the claimed invention unless explicitly indicated as being “critical” or “essential.”

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first object or step could be termed a second object or step, and, similarly, a second object or step could be termed a first object or step, without departing from the scope of the invention. The first object or step, and the second object or step, are both objects or steps, respectively, but they are not to be considered a same object or step.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to fluid collection using the system of the present invention. The system provides numerous advantages over existing technologies. Some of these may include, but are not limited to, consistent dewatering capture and reuse; tailing pond water management through dewatering and enhanced evaporation; evaporation elimination of below ground stored reuse water; polymer mix additive reduction due to water reuse; filtering of drained and/or decanted capture water; management of total suspended solids; water lifecycle management in a mine; filtering of fine gold and fine silver and other precious metals and base metals in heap leach mining; carbon output reduction; and increased energy efficiency for fluid collection and processing. The system may be passive and does not consume energy to function for dewatering or storage. The system may be durable in that the components are non-reactive to the product being drained above or the fluid stored below or processed. The system may comprise structural loading capabilities in excess of 200,000 lbs., so that large loaders and dozers are able to operate on top of the system without collapsing. The system may operate at a reduced energy consumption cost, with less electricity or natural gas used to recover fluid. The system offers a faster drying time which reduces the need for larger stockpiles for inventory and may have a life expectancy of 20 years. The system may operate in multiple sectors, and may be implemented for mining, agriculture, and industrial applications. These mining, agriculture, and industrial applications include, but are not limited to, coal, coal ash, fly ash, iron ore, diatomaceous earth, frac sand, glass sand, silica sand, potash production, salt, oil sands, metals, and minerals, including base metals and precious metals, including but not limited to, copper, gold, silver, platinum, rare earth metals, graphite, lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and cadmium, landfill leachate pit management, frac fluid processing, mining tailings, oil sands tailings, other tailings, and electronic waste and battery recycling.

As will be discussed in greater detail below, embodiments of the present invention comprise a fluid collection system. The system included herein may comprise a liner and one or more geocellular modules. The liner may comprise a geomembrane liner and surround a region to form a cavity. The cavity may comprise an excavated area. A geocellular module may be at least partially disposed within the cavity. The geomembrane liner may be configured to provide structural support to maintain the cavity. The liner may form a first layer at least partially disposed around the cavity. The geocellular module may also be configured to provide structural support within the cavity. The cavity may receive a fluid. The system may further comprise a filter. The filter may comprise a fabric. The system may also comprise a cover. The cover may be perforated, interconnected, modular, interlocking, or a combination thereof. The cover may be at least partially disposed above the geocellular module and may provide structural support to maintain the cavity.

The system may comprise a drainage board. The drainage board may be at least partially disposed between the cover and the geocellular module. The drainage board may comprise a polymer material, including, but not limited to, a plastic. The system may also comprise a drainage sheet. The drainage sheet may comprise a polymer material, including, but not limited to, a plastic. The drainage sheet may be in contact with the liner. The drainage sheet may form a second layer around the cavity where the first layer comprising the liner is at least partially disposed within the second layer comprising the drainage sheet. The drainage sheet may form a part of a strip drain. The system may further comprise a separation tank configured to receive a fluid, e.g., effluent, from the geocellular module. The separation tank may separate a fluid into aqueous and hydrophobic fluids. The system may also comprise a lift station. The lift station may be configured to receive an output from the separation tank. The lift station may comprise fiberglass, concrete, metal, plastic, lumber, or a combination thereof, or other suitable materials. The system may also comprise a heating apparatus configured to provide heat to the geocellular module. The heating apparatus may be flameless. The system may comprise an access unit. The access unit may be adjacent to the geocellular module. The access unit may allow for visual inspection of the geocellular module, liner, cavity, cover, or a combination thereof. The access unit may comprise an above ground level access point and may be entered through the above ground level access point. The access unit may comprise an extension shaft. The system may also comprise a subdrain. The subdrain may be at least partially disposed beneath the geocellular module and liner.

In another implementation/embodiment, a drainage method is provided. The method may comprise contacting a quantity of fluid with a cover, wherein the cover is at least partially disposed over a geocellular module. The cover may provide structural support to the cavity. The method may further comprise filtering at least a portion of the fluid through the cover and/or the filter. The method may also comprise the cavity receiving filtered fluid and contacting the fluid with the geocellular module at least partially disposed within the cavity.

One or more of the following features may be included. The method may comprise collecting fluid using a subdrain. The subdrain may be at least partially disposed beneath the geocellular module and the liner. The method may further comprise receiving fluid, e.g., effluent, from the geocellular module at a separation tank. The method may also comprise receiving an output from the separation tank at a lift station. The method may further comprise providing heat via one or more connection shafts. The method may also comprise performing video or other inspection of the geocellular module via the one or more connection shafts. The method may further comprise transporting fluid from the lift station to a pond or storage facility. The method may also comprise providing an output from the separation tank to a total suspended solids (“TSS”) collection area for aeration. The method may further comprise connecting a water source to a pipe that is configured to connect to an internal washing system at least partially disposed within the cavity. The method may also comprise transporting fluid, e.g., effluent, from the geocellular module to a wash plant.

The term “fluid” is defined in the claims and specification as any liquid or partially liquid material. The term fluid includes, but is not limited to, one or more aqueous solutions, pure liquids, mixtures, homogenous mixtures, heterogenous mixtures, non-Newtonian fluids, Newtonian fluids, sludges, organic solvents, gels, pastes, emulsions, slurries, suspended solids, or a combination thereof.

The term “tank” is defined in the claims and specification as a vessel, chamber, container, receptable, and/or other object capable of containing a fluid. The term shall encompass any vessel, chamber, container, receptable, and/or other object of suitable scale or material. For example, it may include a large acid-resistant tank for mining applications.

Turning now to the figures, which show embodiments of the systems of the invention, FIG. 1 shows modular fluid collector 16 comprising geocellular module bed 18 and membrane container 20. Geocellular module bed 18 is disposed into membrane container 20 along path 26. Vent 22 is attached to an end of geocellular module bed 18 and discharge conduit 24 is attached to the opposite end of geocellular module bed 18. Membrane container 20 forms cavity 28 to receive geocellular module bed 18. Membrane container 20 further comprises flanges 34 and tie backs 36. Flanges 34 are disposed around and completely enclose geocellular module bed 18. Modular fluid collector 16 is disposed at a downward angle along slope 30 towards edge 32.

FIG. 2 shows fluid collection system 38 comprising access unit 40, geocellular module 46, vent conduit 42, outlet conduit 50, and geocellular panel 44. Cellular panels 44 are disposed around geocellular modules 46 to form cavity 48. A plurality of geocellular modules 46 are combined to form geocellular module section 52. Optionally, fluid collection system 38 is disposed above subdrain 54.

FIG. 3 shows core liner 56 comprising floor 60 and foldable side panel 58. FIG. 4 shows installed fluid collection system 62 comprising enclosed geocellular module section 64, filter 70 and liner 68. Filter 70 is disposed above enclosed geocellular module section 64 and liner 68 is disposed under and around enclosed geocellular module section 64. Enclosed geocellular module section 64 is disposed into excavation 66.

FIG. 5 shows fluid collection system cross section 72 comprising access units 40, geocellular module sections 52, and drainage core 78. Access units 40 comprise ports 74. Ports 74 may be attached to a conduit to allow access and/or fluid flow into and/or out of access unit 40. Drainage core 78 is disposed between and in communication with access units 40 and geocellular module sections 52. Compacted subgrade 80 is disposed below access units 40, geocellular module sections 52, and drainage core 78. Material 82 is disposed over access units 40, geocellular module sections 52, and drainage core 78. Geocellular module sections 52 are substantially parallel to each other and are substantially perpendicular to material 82.

FIG. 6 shows fluid collection system cross section 84 comprising access units 40, geocellular module sections 52, and drainage core 78. Access units 40 comprise ports 74. Ports 74 may be attached to a conduit to allow access and/or fluid flow into and/or out of access units 40. Geocellular module sections 52 comprise geocellular modules 46 forming cavity 48. Drainage core 78 is disposed between and in communication with access units 40 and geocellular module sections 52. Compacted subgrade 80 is disposed below access units 40, geocellular module sections 52, and drainage core 78. Material 82 is disposed over access units 40, geocellular module sections 52, and drainage core 78. Geocellular module sections 52 are substantially parallel to each other and are substantially parallel to material 82.

FIG. 7 shows fluid collection system 86 comprising drainage core 78 and geocellular module section 52. Geocellular module section 52 is attached to end vent conduit 92 and end outlet conduit 94. Drainage core 78 is disposed at slope 90 to direct fluid into geocellular module section 52.

FIG. 8 shows fluid collection system 96 comprising access unit 40, geocellular module section 52, and drainage core 78. Drainage core 78 is disposed at an angle and is in communication with geocellular module section 52. Access unit 40 and geocellular module section 52 is disposed into an excavation into compacted subgrade 80 having width 106 and height 104. Drainage core 78 comprises filter 98, drainage cell 99, liner 100, and fabric 102. Fabric 102 is disposed above compacted subgrade 80. Liner 100 is disposed above fabric 102. Drainage cell 99 is disposed above liner 100. Liner 100 and/or fabric 102 may be disposed around or completely encompass drainage cell 99. Filter 98 is disposed above drainage cell 99.

FIG. 9 shows fluid collection system site layout 108 comprising conveyor 110, bulk material lane 112, geocellular module section excavations 114, collection excavation 118, end collection sump 120, access unit 40, and square sump 116. Conveyor 110 distributes material above bulk material lane 112, geocellular module section excavations 114. Drainage core (not shown) is disposed within bulk material lane 112 and a geocellular module section (not shown) is disposed within geocellular module section excavations 114. Geocellular module section excavation 114 is in communication with collection excavation 118. Collection excavation 118 contains a conduit or another geocellular module section. Collection excavation 118 is in communication with end collection sump 120. Access unit 40 is disposed into section excavation 114 to allow access to a geocellular module section. Square sump 116 is disposed below access unit 40. There is a plurality of access units 40 with a square sump 116 disposed below each access unit 40. A plurality of bulk material lanes 112 and geocellular module section excavations 114 are disposed substantially parallel to each other and each geocellular module section excavations 114 is in communication with collection excavation 118. Material is disposed above bulk material lane 112, geocellular module section excavations 114 and conveyor 110. The material contains a fluid. Fluid from the material flows from bulk material lane 112 into geocellular module section excavations 114 and subsequently flows into collection excavation 118 before entering end collection sump 120.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show fluid collection system site orientations 122 and 123 comprising conveyor 110, material footprint 124, drainage sheets 126 and geocellular module sections 52. Drainage sheets 126 and geocellular module sections 52 may be disposed substantially perpendicular to material footprint 124, as shown in site orientation 122. Drainage sheets 126 and geocellular module sections 52 may be disposed substantially parallel to material footprint 124, as shown in site orientation 123. Drainage sheets 126 may comprise a drainage core (not shown).

FIGS. 11A and 11B show conveyor and fluid collection systems 128 and 129 comprising conveyor 110, drainage sheets 126, geocellular module sections 52, and end collection sump 120. Drainage sheets 126 and geocellular module sections 52 may be substantially parallel to conveyor 110, as shown in fluid collection system 128. Fluid is collected by drainage sheets 126 and geocellular module sections 52 and transported to an end of geocellular module sections 52 before entering end collection sump 120. Drainage sheets 126 and geocellular module sections 52 may be substantially perpendicular to conveyor 110, as shown in fluid collection system 129. Fluid is collected by drainage sheets 126 and geocellular module sections 52 and transported to ends of geocellular module sections 52 before entering end collection sumps 120. Drainage sheets 126 may comprise a drainage core (not shown).

FIGS. 12A and 12B show core liner 130 comprising side flange 136, foldable flange region 138, end flange 140, and foldable flange region 142, which are attached to walls 132 surrounding floor 134, as shown in FIG. 12A. Core liner 130 further comprises body width 144, and body and flange width 146. Walls 132 form height 148 as shown in FIG. 12B.

FIG. 13 shows core liner 150 comprising wall 154, floor 152, side flange 156, end flange 153, stake tab 158, and port 151. Core liner 150 comprises walls 154 around floor 152 to form the body of core liner 150. Core liner 150 may comprise one or more stake tabs 158 for attaching core liner 150 to a surface and one or more ports 151 to attach conduits for the inflow and/or outflow of fluid or other matter.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show containment membranes 160 comprising end flange 162, side flange 164, end wall 166, port 168, foldable flap 172, side wall 174, floor 180, and staking tab 186. End flange 162, side flanges 164, rear wall 166, port 168, foldable flap 172, side wall 174 are foldable to allow for the formation of an enclosed space. Port 168 may receive conduit 170 to allow fluid flow into and/or out of containment membrane 160. Optionally, staking tab 186 may be used to secure containment membrane 160 to a surface. Flange weld overlap 184 and hand weld locations 182 are used to form the body of containment membrane 160 and/or to attach end flange 162 to side flanges 164.

FIG. 15 shows wide containment membrane 188 comprising port 168, staking tab 186, wide end flange 190, wide end wall 192, side wall 194, floor 196, foldable flap 198, and wide side flanges 200. Wide flange weld overlap 202 and hand weld locations 204 are used to form the body of containment membrane 188 and/or to attach wide end flange 190 to wide side flanges 200. Port 168 may receive conduit 170 to allow fluid flow into and/or out of wide containment membrane 188. Optionally, staking tab 186 may be used to secure wide containment membrane 188 to a surface.

FIG. 16 shows drainage cell 206 comprising geocellular structure 208, cavity 210, length 214, width 212, and height 216.

FIG. 17 shows interlocking drainage cells 218 comprising geocellular structure 208 and cavity 210. Interlocking drainage cells 218 also comprise attachment interface 220 and/or attachment interface 222. Attachment interface 220 may be joined to attachment interface 222 to connect a plurality of interlocking drainage cells 218.

Embodiments of the present system may be utilized in conjunction with a wide variety of possible applications. Some of these may include, but are not limited to, industrial sand, glass sand, foundry sands, frac sand, concrete sand, iron ore/slag, potash, coal stockpiles, crushed aggregates, biomass heaps, fertilizer heaps, dry/bulk storage facilities, transload facilities, wood pulp processing and storage, heap leach processing, salt processing, agriculture silos, rail transload facilities, industrial washing bays, etc. Embodiments of the present disclosure may also be used to collect and hold fluid in a seafaring vessel, e.g., a cargo ship, cruise ship, or aircraft carrier, etc., using the principles set forth in this invention and in the drawings.

In some embodiments, the system may be modified into a mobile application to work remotely around tailings ponds for dewatering purposes. The tailings byproducts may then dry into a solid/cake and be properly disposed of or further processed into usable materials. Removal of tailings byproducts may assist with mining reclamation activities.

The system may be used to collect fluid from different structures. The system may collect the underflow and/or overflow fluid from mining/mineral tailings. The system may be at least partially disposed beneath mining/mineral tailings and/or disposed around the perimeter of mining/mineral tailings. The system may also be used to collect water seepage from slopes, landslides, embankments, dams, dikes, levees, and underground applications. The system may be used to convey seepage flow from a dam to prevent dam damage or erosion. The system may be at least partially disposed at the toe of the dam and/or beneath the dam. The system may be at least partially disposed beneath and/or around the perimeter of, or close to, a dry stack or wet stack of mining/mineral processing tailings. The system may collect fluid from underground mines, water reserves, caverns, tunnels, railway systems, shelters, or a combination thereof. The system may be part of new construction at a facility or retrofitted to an existing facility.

The system may be used to extract fluid from oil production sites. Fluid from oil production, e.g., a water and oil mixture, may be at least partially disposed into the system cavity. The fluid may be conveyed to a lift station, fluid storage tank, separation tank, acid treatment module, organic treatment module, filtering and/or finishing module, or a combination thereof. The cavity, lift station, fluid storage tank separation tank, acid treatment module, organic treatment module, filtering and/or finishing module, or a combination thereof may be at least partially disposed at a higher elevation than a transport vehicle to allow the transport vehicle to receive the fluid by gravity. The transport vehicle may be a truck, train, aircraft, watercraft, or any other vehicle capable of conveying fluid.

The system may be used to manage fluid processing including, but not limited to, draining, capturing, evaporating, conveying, lifting, filtering, treating, separating, and aerating fluid. Fluid may be used after processing or recycled back in a closed loop.

Embodiments included herein are directed towards drainage or fluid collection systems. The system may be disposed at grade differential or gradient. A grade differential may be the degree angle relative to a flat plane. For example, a grade differential means a five degree difference, i.e., a slope, compared to a flat plane. The grade differential may convey fluid across the system cavity. The grade differential may be at least about 1 degree, about 1 degree to about 10 degrees, about 2 degrees to about 8 degrees, about 4 degrees to about 6 degrees, or about 10 degrees of slope. The grade differential may also be about 1.19 degree of slope. The system may comprise a valve to control fluid flow through the cavity. The fluid may be conveyed by gravity.

The system of the present invention may comprise a liner. The liner may preferably comprise a geomembrane liner and/or a polymer. The polymer may comprise, but not be limited to, elastomer, a thermoplastic polymer, a plastic polymer, or a combination thereof. The elastomer may comprise, but not be limited to, diene, non-diene, and thermoplastic elastomers. The polymer may comprise, but not be limited to, polyurea, polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, acrylic rubber, acrylic ethylene rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene, butadiene rubber, bromobutyl, butyl rubber, chlorobutyl, chloropolyethylene, chloroprene rubber, chlorosulfonated ethylene, elastomers, epichlorohydrin rubber, epoxyprene, ethylene-propylene-diene, ethylene-vinyl-acetate, fluoroethylene propylene, perfluoroelastomers, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, hydrogenated nitrile, isoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, natural rubber, neoprene, polybutadiene, polynorbornene, polythioethers, silicone rubber, styrene-butadien, sirenic copolymers, tetrafluoroethylene propylene, polysulfides, urethane, vinyl methyl silicone, fluoroelastomers, or a combination thereof. The liner may comprise a thickness of at least about 10 mm, about 10 mm to about 120 mm, about 20 mm to about 110 mm, about 30 mm to about 100 mm, about 40 mm to about 90 mm, about 50 mm to about 80 mm, about 60 mm to about 70 mm, or about 120 mm. The liner may be at least partially disposed around the cavity. The system may also comprise a geocellular module configured to provide structural support. The geocellular module may comprise, but not be limited to, a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer may comprise polyolefins. The thermoplastic polymer may comprise, but not be limited to, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic polyimide, polyaryletherketone, self-reinforced polyphenylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamideimide, polyarylate, poly(ether)sulfone, polyoxymethylene, or a combination thereof. The system may comprise a liner comprising one or more smooth sides. The liner sides may be manufactured.

The geocellular module may comprise at least one hollow chamber to increase its surface area and/or surface area to volume ratio. The geocellular module may comprise a heat and/or chemical resistant material. The geocellular module may comprise, but not be limited to, a hydrophobic, impermeable, or water-resistant material. The geocellular module may comprise a non-reactive material. The non-reactive material may be a material that does not substantially or at all degrade, disintegrate, weaken, soften, flake, crack, become brittle, or become physically or chemically altered on initial contact with a chemical reagent, or for a short period after. The short period may be up to one year of constant or intermittent contact with the reagent. The chemical reagents may include, but are not limited to, chemical reagents that are caustic, acidic, corrosive, adhesive; chemical reagents that act as organic solvents, oxidizers, reducers, or electron transports; chemical reagents that are dyes, colorants, or cause luminescence; or reagents that sorb onto a surface. The geocellular module may comprise recycled materials and may be recyclable. The geocellular module may comprise food grade plastic, virgin, i.e., unrecycled, plastic material, or a combination thereof.

The geocellular module may comprise a high-pressure resistance material. The geocellular module may comprise a high mechanical strength. The geocellular module may comprise a compressive strength of at least about 200 kN/m², about 200 kN/m²to about 1,200 kN/m², about 250 kN/m²to about 1,150 kN/m², about 300 kN/m²to about 1,100 kN/m², about 350 kN/m²to about 1,050 kN/m², about 400 kN/m²to about 1,000 kN/m², about 450 kN/m²to about 950 kN/m², about 500 kN/m²to about 900 kN/m², about 550 kN/m²to about 850 kN/m²about 600 kN/m²to about 800 kN/m², about 650 kN/m²to about 700 kN/m², or about 1,200 kN/m². The geocellular module may comprise a lateral strength of at least about 50 kN/m², about 50 kN/m²to about 150 kN/m², about 70 kN/m²to about 130 kN/m², about 90 kN/m²to about 110 kN/m², or about 150 kN/m². The geocellular module may comprise a load bearing capacity of at least about 30 tons, about 30 tons to about 110 tons, about 40 tons to about 100 tons, about 50 tons to about 90 tons, about 60 tons to about 80 tons, or about 110 tons.

The geocellular module may comprise a base plate, an end plate, and a spacer column. The geocellular module may comprise a first base plate and a second base plate with at least one spacer column at least partially disposed between the first base plate and second base plate. The geocellular module may also comprise at least one end plate at least partially disposed between the first base plate and the second base plate. In one embodiment, at least one spacer column and four end plates are disposed between the first base plate and second base plate to form a rectangular or square shaped geocellular module. The spacer column may comprise a cylindrical, rectangular prism, triangular, any other shape, or a combination thereof.

The system may comprise a storage availability of at least one layer of geocellular module. The system may comprise any number of geocellular module layers. The system may comprise one geocellular module layer to 14 geocellular module layers. Each geocellular module layer may be at least about 2 inches, about 2 inches to about 48 inches, about 4 inches to about 44 inches, about 6 inches to about 36 inches, about 8 inches to about 32 inches, about 10 inches to about 28 inches, about 12 inches to about 24 inches, about 16 inches to about 20 inches, about 48 inches in height, or other suitable height depending on the application. Each geocellular module layer may be accessed and visually inspected post construction. The geocellular modules may comprise a variable height. Geocellular modules with variable height may prevent fluid velocity from being reduced or restricted. A geocellular module may be of any height and width. The geocellular module may also have a cubed, rectangular, rounded, or other shape. Geocellular modules may be interconnected, modular, and combined to form a larger unit.

In some embodiments, the systems and processes described herein provide underground moisture infiltration/recovery capabilities, one or more storage cavities, artificial lift techniques, filtering processes, enhanced evaporation from mechanical aeration, etc. Embodiments included herein may provide for complete management of processed mine/production water as well as an environmental best management practice along with being an engineered process efficiency device. This system may prevent off-site water discharge along with groundwater contamination. Embodiments included herein allow for the system to be accessed after installation via inspection shafts and hatches and may also comprise a rinse/wash system to periodically clean and have the ability to vacuum out the system cavity. This system may comprise structural components to allow mine equipment, e.g., up to 200,000 lbs., to travel simultaneously with stacked products. This system may be heated for cold climate use.

In operation, material may be stacked and/or piled up into heaps from a radial stacker or inline overhead tripper stacker. An area of stacked material may be excavated to a certain depth (e.g., 6′ by x area) to form a cavity. Lining of the cavity may be performed with a coated fabric. The fabric may comprise, but not be limited to, a polymer, sand, bitumen, glass, or a combination thereof. The polymer may comprise, but not be limited to, polyurea, high-density polyethylene, or a combination thereof. Installation and building of the geocellular module may create a void space and/or holding space for the collected fluid. Outlets and conduits, e.g., piping and spray nozzles, may be installed and hangered to create an internal wash system and plumbed surface for wash connection ports. Ports may be included with hatches for access of inspection and air flow to the storage area created by the geocellular module. The ports create a negative pressure zone. Lateral conduits, e.g., SDR-11 and/or HDPE pipes, may communicate with the lift station as needed. The lift station accommodates for discharge challenges where fluid flow by gravity may be impeded and an artificial lift is needed to further convey fluid.

The wash system may be interlaced into the geocellular module. Spray heads may be used to move or wash sediment from the geocellular module. Aerators may be used to accelerate fluid evaporation and remediation by dissolved gas into the fluid. The gas may comprise oxygen.

The systems and methods included herein may comprise cavities and geocellular membranes that form at least about 20%, about 20% to about 97%, about 30% to about 95%, about 40% to about 90%, about 50% to about 80%, about 60% to about 70%, or about 97% void space within the cavity. Depending on materials and applications, other void spaces may be provided.

The system of the present invention may comprise a non-motorized holding and capture system. The system may lift, filter, drain, and/or evaporate excess tailings water. The lifting, filtering, draining, and/or evaporation may be active and may be accelerated by the system compared to other processes.

The system may further comprise a capacity to store fluid underground. Using a plurality of geocellular modules across the surface area of the drain field may equate to hundreds to millions of gallons of fluid storage.

In some embodiments, the system may comprise one or more lift stations to correct inverted elevation where fluid must be artificially lifted with pumps against the force of gravity. The system may also comprise an interlocking cover. The cover may also comprise, but not be limited to, a non-thermal expansive and/or reactive cover.

The system may comprise a smooth floor. The smooth floor may comprise, but not be limited to, a non-woven polyester, a geotextile, bitumen, sand, glass, a polymer, isocyanate, resin, fabric, or a combination thereof. The polymer may comprise, but not be limited to, a high density polyethylene, polyurea, or a combination thereof. The smooth floor may be elastic. The floor may comprise a non-stick bottom. The non-stick bottom may comprise surface projections to remove or limit lateral movement in the geocellular modules. The surface projections may be about 16 mm to about 22 mm, but other configurations may be suitable, depending on the application.

The system may comprise a subdrain that may be at least partially disposed beneath the liner especially when the liner is impermeable. The subdrain may mitigate shallow water or subsurface springs that can force the system up by heaving. The subdrain may be horizontally or vertically standing. The subdrain may be a dual sided collector and may convey the collected ground water to a release point or additional lift station for evacuation. The subdrain may comprise a width of about 9″ to about 12″ and may comprise a vertical length of about 10′ to about 100′ although other widths and lengths may be suitable, depending on the application. The subdrain may be formed or shaped freely as needed. Each subdrain run length may be interconnected and has the ability to be multi-coupled with one or more additional subdrains.

The system may comprise a cavity comprising a square or rectangular perimeter. The cavity may also comprise a curved or radial shape.

The system may comprise structural side walls; vented and/or not-vented hatch covers; remote access units with and without extension shafts; permeable cavity covers; an internal washing system in communication with a water source, e.g., water trucks, water tanks, water reservoirs, water containers, etc.; a geocellular module; and vertical mounts and/or with spray nozzles to rinse and/or wash the geocellular module.

The system may comprise an air void space when the cavity and the geocellular module are empty. The air void space may be about 20% to about 97% by volume. The air void space may create a large pressure zone. In the present disclosure, an inflow of fluid fills the air void space in the cavity and the geocellular module. The air void space may then be diminished proportionately to fluid volume. Conversely, water levels decrease in volume when air void space increases. The large pressure zone forces fluid out of the cavity and the geocellular module. A positive air pressure may be introduced into the cavity by one or more vertical access points. Negative air pressure may be introduced as fluid exits the cavity.

The system may comprise above ground vent stations for ambient air and vault storage air pressure exchanges to occur. This eliminates back flow or stagnation of fluid velocity through the system. Air pressure exchange between the above ground ambient air and system cavity enhances fluid collection and flow.

The system may comprise a grid layer. The grid layer may be at least partially disposed above a geocellular module. The grid layer may be a geogrid and may comprise polypropylene, polyester, a polymer coat, or a combination thereof. The grid layer may be resistant to ultraviolet light. The grid layer may comprise a biaxial tensile strength of at least about 10 kN/m, about 10 kN/m to about 100 kN/m, about 20 kN/m to about 90 kN/m, about 30 kN/m to about 80 kN/m, about 40 kN/m to about 70 kN/m, about 50 kN/m to about 60 kN/m, or about 100 kN/m.

The system may comprise a reinforcement sublayer. The reinforcement sublayer may be at least partially disposed above, below, and/or beside a geocellular module. The reinforcement sublayer may be an earth reinforcement sublayer, i.e., able to reinforce the fluid collection system against surrounding earth and/or the earth surrounding the fluid collection system. The reinforcement sublayer may comprise confinement cells, nano-fibers, a polyolefin matrix, polymeric alloy, HDPE, or a combination thereof. The confinement cells may be a plurality of folded strips forming a honeycomb matrix.

The system may comprise a geometric monitoring module. The geometric monitoring module may comprise a lidar. The lidar may be at least partially disposed within the void space formed by the geocellular module and/or attached to the geocellular module. The lidar may also comprise an aerial drone that makes measurements from above the fluid collection system. The lidar may be used to conduct a photogrammetry scan before and after the construction of the fluid collection system. The lidar may be of any weight and may achieve a reading accuracy of at least about 1 cm, about 1 cm to about 10 cm, about 2 cm to about 9 cm, about 3 cm to about 8 cm, about 4 cm to about 7 cm, about 5 cm to about 6 cm, or about 10 cm. The lidar may achieve a max pulse rate of at least about 1200 kHz, about 1200 kHz to about 2500 kHz, about 1500 kHz to about 2250 kHz, about 1750 kHz to about 2000 kHz, or about 2500 kHz. The lidar may comprise a field of view of at least about 10°, about 10° to about 360°, about 20° to about 320°, about 45⁰to about 280°, about 75⁰to about 245°, about 100° to about 200°, about 125° to about 175°, or about 360°. The lidar may comprise a detection range of at least about 100 meters, about 100 meters to about 2000 meters, about 200 meters to about 1800 meters, about 400 meters to about 1600 meters, about 600 meters to about 1400 meters, about 800 meters to about 1200 meters, or about 2000 meters.

The geometric monitoring module may detect creep in any of the components of the fluid collection system via lidar and/or a laser distance measurement tool. For example, the lidar may detect creep in the geocellular module and a laser distance measurement tool may detect creep in the cover. The geometric monitoring module may comprise a dimensional measurement system. The dimensional measurement system may comprise a global positioning system, lidar, infrared sensor, controller base station, geofence, earth mover and/or machinery, or a combination thereof. The lidar may be mounted on a drone. The dimensional measurement system may detect any physical deviation, abnormality, change, and/or disruption in the dimensions of the fluid collection system. The dimensional measurement system may detect, for example, changes in the shape of void space formed by the geocellular module; a caved-in cover; uneven surfaces in the subdrain, liner, and/or filter caused by shifting earth or other material; or a combination thereof. The controller base station may receive input from a sensor including, but not limited to, the global positioning system, lidar, infrared, geofence sensor, or a combination thereof. The input may indicate a physical deviation, abnormality, change, and/or disruption in the dimensions of the fluid collection system. The controller base station may transmit a signal to an earth mover and/or machinery after receiving the input indicating a physical deviation, abnormality, change, and/or disruption in the dimensions of the fluid collection system providing data about the physical deviation, abnormality, change, and/or disruption. The controller base station may also remotely control the earth mover and/or machinery to correct the physical deviation, abnormality, change, and/or disruption.

The system may comprise a chemical mixing bag. The chemical mixing bag may be a porous or non-porous vessel, container, sack, tank, flask, or other item able of holding material. The chemical mixing bag may contain a solid, liquid, and/or aqueous solution. The chemical mixing bag may be attached to a geocellular module or be at least partially disposed into a void space. The chemical mixing bag may be contacted with a fluid at least partially disposed within the fluid collection system. The chemical mixing bag may contain a solid that is contacted with fluid in the void space of the fluid collection system to allow the fluid to gradually dissolve the solid contained within the chemical mixing bag. A caustic, including, but not limited to, NaOH, KOH, CaOH, or a combination thereof, may be at least partially disposed within the chemical mixing bag. An acid including, but not limited to, HCl, H₂SO₄, HF, HBr, HI, HNO₃, HCIO₄, or a combination thereof, may be at least partially disposed within the chemical mixing bag. A salt including, but not limited to, KCl, NaCl, MgCl, or a combination thereof, may be at least partially disposed within the chemical mixing bag. A flocculant may be at least partially disposed within the chemical mixing bag. An organic decontaminant including, but not limited to, ethanol, bleach, ammonia, quaternary ammonium compounds, chlorine, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, iodophors, ortho-phthalaldehyde, peracetic acid, phenolics, or a combination thereof, may be at least partially disposed within the chemical mixing bag.

The system may comprise a wet well. The wet well may be in communication with the geocellular module, the void space, and/or a separation tank. The wet well may collect chemicals and/or compounds including, but not limited to, cyanide, arsenic, or a combination thereof. The wet well may be in communication with a sampling port.

The system may comprise a chemical monitoring module. The chemical monitoring module may comprise a sensor at least partially disposed within the void space formed by the geocellular module and/or attached to the geocellular module. The sensor may be contacted with fluid collected by the fluid collection system. The sensor may also be at least partially disposed within any other component of the fluid collection system, including, but not limited to, the subdrain, lift station, cover, liner, strip drain, separator tank, or a combination thereof. The sensor may measure pH, salinity, viscosity, temperature, density, or a combination thereof. The sensor may also detect the presence of a given chemical, for example, sulfuric acid. The sensor may comprise any detection mechanism known to the person skilled person in the art including but not limited to, a pH meter, a voltmeter, a multimeter, a chemical test strip, and the like, or a combination thereof. The chemical monitoring module may comprise an air vent in communication with the void space formed by the geocellular module. The chemical monitoring module may also comprise a fluid conveyor in communication with the void space formed by the geocellular module. The chemical monitoring module may also comprise a gas detection module. The gas detection module may be at least partially disposed within or attached to any component of the fluid collection system, including, but not limited the geocellular module, subdrain, lift station, cover, liner, strip drain, separator tank, or a combination thereof. The gas detection module may sample the atmosphere in the void space to detect gases including, but not limited to, radon, vaporous acid, H₂S, or a combination thereof. The gas detection module may also comprise a radiation detector.

The system may also comprise a quality control meter. The quality control meter may include, but is not limited to, a flow meter for a gas, liquid, and/or aqueous solution, pressure meter, volume meter, or a combination thereof. The quality control meter may also be at least partially disposed within and/or attached to other components of the fluid collection system, including, but not limited to, the geocellular module, subdrain, lift station, cover, liner, strip drain, separator tank, or a combination thereof.

The system may comprise a conductive liner. The conductive liner may comprise a co-extruded geomembrane, conductive layer, liner low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, or a combination thereof. The conductive layer may be black, white, reflective, smooth, textured, or a combination thereof. The conductive layer may comprise a geosynthetic clay, polyethylene, carbon black, or a combination thereof. The conductive liner may be used to detect leaks within and/or near the fluid collection system.

The system may incorporate a method for preventing filter cake formation. Solid particles deposited on a filter layer are referred to or known as the “filter cake”. In filtration, solid particles may be separated from a fluid-solid mixture by forcing fluid through a filter medium or cloth (in this case, the force is pile head pressure). Filters, e.g., monofilament woven fabrics, may be precisely manufactured via wash water analysis and permeability testing in bucket trials to optimize filter pore size. Optimizing filter pore size prevents and/or mitigates the formation of a filter cake.

The system may comprise an in-ground “excavated” capture and hold design. The system may minimize lined surface storage water ponds and above ground storage tanks by comprising an air void space of preferably about 95% of the cavity, although a lower void space can also be effective.

In some embodiments, the system may allow for cold climate mining. Ice in the system's cavity may be thawed by heated air from a heater. The system may allow for operation in temperatures in cold or hot climates.

The system may raise fluid from a lower elevation to a higher elevation via a lift station. The lift station may comprise a pump to raise fluid to a higher elevation.

The cover may be assembled using a hand turn tool. The hand turn tool may comprise a cam hand turn tool. The system may operate without material at least partially disposed above the top of the system.

The system may comprise processes to manage and process fluid for fines, ultra-fines, and/or total suspended solids for reuse to the operator's wash plant, or additional onsite storage, or to discharge tailings ponds. The system may use one or more aeration units to accelerate the process of evaporation in holding and/or tailings ponds.

The system of the present invention may comprise the ability to perform wash plan water testing prior to all drain builds. The water sampling may be sent to a chemical company for analysis of results for polymer dosing and effectiveness. The water sampling test may comprise any groundwater discharge test, evaporation test, e.g., a bucket test, water transmissivity test, any other water sampling test known to a person skilled in the art; or a combination thereof. This may help to show if the system operator is correctly processing fluid.

The system may be in communication with fluid conveyors to collect and transport fluid. The fluid conveyors may comprise tubes and/or pipes. The tubes and/or pipes may be perforated and may comprise diameters of at least about ⅛″, about ⅛″ to about ⅞″, about 2/8″ to about 6/8″, about ⅜″ to about ⅝″, or about ⅞″.

The system of the present invention may be in communication with one or more dewatering bags. The system may receive fluid from the dewatering bag. The dewatering bag may comprise, but not be limited to, a geotextile, fabric, paper, woven material, polymer strands, or a combination thereof. The dewatering bag may comprise a wide width tensile strength of at least about 50 kN/m, about 50 kN/m to about 140 kN/m, about 60 kN/m to about 130 kN/m, about 70 kN/m to about 120 kN/m, about 80 kN/m to about 110 kN/m, or about 140 kN/m. The dewatering bag may comprise a wide width tensile elongation of at least about 10%, about 10% to about 30%, about 15% to about 25%, or about 30%. The dewatering bag may comprise a seam strength of at least about 50 kN/m, about 50 kN/m to about 100 kN/m, about 55 kN/m to about 90 kN/m, about 60 kN/m to about 85 kN/m, about 70 kN/m to about 80 kN/m, or about 100 kN/m. The dewatering bag may comprise a puncture strength of at least about 5,000 N, about 5,000 N to about 12,000 N, about 6,000 N to about 11,000 N, about 7,000 N to about 10,000 N, about 8,000 N to about 9,000 N, or about 12,000 N.

The dewatering bag may comprise an apparent opening size of at least about 0.20 mm, about 0.20 mm to about 0.60 mm, about 0.25 mm to about 0.55 mm, about 0.30 mm to about 0.50 mm, about 0.35 mm to about 0.45 mm, or about 0.60 mm. The dewatering bag may comprise an O₅₀pore size distribution of at least about 90 μm, about 90 μm to about 170 μm, about 100 μm to about 160 μm, about 110 μm to about 150 μm, about 120 μm to about 140 μm, or about 170 μm. The dewatering bag may comprise an O₉₅pore size distribution of at least about 250 μm, about 250 μm to about 390 μm, about 270 μm to about 370 μm, about 290 μm to about 350 μm, about 310 μm to about 330 μm, or about 390 μm.

The dewatering bag may comprise a water flow rate through the surface of at least about 400 l/min/m², about 400 l/min/m²to about 5,200 l/min/m², about 800 l/min/m²to about 4,800 l/min/m², about 1,200 l/min/m²to about 4,400 l/min/m², about 1,600 l/min/m²to about 4,000 l/min/m², about 2,000 l/min/m²to about 3,600 l/min/m², about 2,400 l/min/m²to about 3,200 l/min/m², or about 5,200 l/min/m². The dewatering bag may comprise a UV resistance strength of at least about 65%, about 65% to about 99%, about 70% to about 97%, about 75% to about 95%, about 80% to about 90%, or about 97%. The dewatering bag UV resistance strength may be retained for at least about 400 hrs, about 400 hrs to about 1,000 hrs, about 500 hrs to about 900 hrs, about 600 hrs to about 800 hrs, or about 1,000 hrs. The dewatering bag may comprise a mass per unit area of at least about 350 g/m², about 350 g/m²to about 800 g/m², about 400 g/m²to about 750 g/m², about 450 g/m²to about 700 g/m², about 500 g/m²to about 650 g/m², about 550 g/m²to about 600 g/m², or about 800 g/m². The dewatering bag may comprise a thickness of at least about 0.4 mm, about 0.4 mm to about 3.0 mm, about 0.6 mm to about 2.8 mm, about 0.8 mm to about 2.6 mm, about 1.0 mm to about 2.4 mm, about 1.2 mm to about 2.2 mm, about 1.4 mm to about 2.0 mm, about 1.6 mm to about 1.8 mm, or about 3.0 mm.

The dewatering bag may comprise a fill capacity of at least about 60%, about 60% to about 95%, about 70% to about 90%, or about 95%. The dewatering bag may comprise a hauling capacity of at least about 8 tons, about 8 tons to about 20 tons, about 10 tons to about 18 tons, about 12 tons to about 16 tons, or about 20 tons. The dewatering bag may comprise a length of at least about 2 m, about 2 m to about 160 m, about 5 m to about 140 m, about 20 m to about 120 m, about 40 to about 100 m, 60 m to about 80 m, or about 160 m. The dewatering bag may comprise a width of at least about 2 m, about 2 m to about 10 m, about 4 m to about 8 m, or about 10 m. When filled, the dewatering bag may comprise a circumference of at least about 5 m, about 5 m to about 30 m, about 10 m to about 25 m, about 15 m to about 20 m, or about 30 m. The dewatering bag may comprise a circumferential seam and a filled height of at least about 1 m, about 1 m to about 3.5 m, about 1.5 m to about 3.0 m, about 2.0 m to about 2.5 m, or about 3.5 m. Other capacities or dimensions may also be suitable, depending on the application(s).

The dewatering bag may comprise a tensile modulus at about 2% strain, as shown by a typical roll value, of at least 1,000 kN/m, about 1,000 kN/m to about 2,000 kN/m, about 1,100 kN/m to about 1,900 kN/m, about 1,200 kN/m to about 1,800 kN/m, about 1,300 kN/m to about 1,700 kN/m, about 1,400 kN/m to about 1,600 kN/m, or about 2,000 kN/m. The dewatering bag may comprise a tensile modulus at about 5% strain, as shown by a typical roll value, of at least 1,000 kN/m, about 1,000 kN/m to about 2,000 kN/m, about 1,100 kN/m to about 1,900 kN/m, about 1,200 kN/m to about 1,800 kN/m, about 1,300 kN/m to about 1,700 kN/m, about 1,400 kN/m to about 1,600 kN/m, or about 2,000 kN/m. Other tensile modulus strains may also be suitable, depending on the application(s).

A flocculant may be at least partially disposed within the present system and/or the dewatering bag. The flocculant may be at least partially disposed within the geocellular module of the present system. The flocculant may be in a solid, liquid, or gas state. Solid flocculant may be sewn into the lining of a dewatering bag. The flocculant may be contacted with fluid at least partially disposed within a tailings pond, dewatering bag, fluid collection system, or a combination thereof. The flocculant may be organic, inorganic, ionic, and/or nonionic. The flocculant may comprise, but not be limited to, a bio-polymer, silicate ions, sodium silicate, colloidal silica, H₃SiO⁴⁻, polyacrylamide, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyanionic cellulose, polyelectrolytes, including but not limited to, polysaccharides, cationic starch, chitosan, chitosan acetate, and poly-γ-glutamic acid, functionalized nanoparticles, nanocellulose, tannin-based flocculants, aluminum sulfate, aluminum chloride, sodium aluminate, ferric sulfate, ferrous sulfate, ferric chloride, ferric chloride sulfate, hydrated lime, magnesium carbonate, aluminum chlorohydrate, polyaluminum chloride, polyaluminum sulfate chloride, polyaluminum silicate chloride, polyferric sulfate, ferric salts, diallydimethyl ammonium chloride, or a combination thereof.

The dewatering bag may be used to form or retrofit a tailings dam. The tailings dam may comprise at least two layers of dewatering bags. A plurality of dewatering bags may be arranged in a stacked or pyramidal configuration, wherein an upper layer comprises a smaller number of dewatering bags than a lower layer at least partially disposed beneath the upper layer. The tailings dam may comprise a conduit in communication with the dewatering bag. The conduit may be connected to the dewatering bag by a port attached to the dewatering bag. The layers of dewatering bags may be offset from one another such that at least a portion of a dewatering bag in a lower layer extends past the edge of a dewatering bag in an upper layer. The tailings dam may comprise an inner surface. The inner surface may be in contact with the tailings and/or low strength and/or degradable dewatering bags and the inner surface may comprise a plurality of dewatering bags. The tailings dam may comprise an outer surface in contact with the atmosphere and the outer surface may comprise a plurality of dewatering bags. The outer surface may be coated and/or sealed with a polymer. The coating and/or sealant may prevent fluid from flowing out of the outer surface. The coating and/or sealant may comprise a polymer, including, but not limited to, polyurethane; polyethylene; polystyrene; clay, including, but not limited to, bentonite, montmorillonite, kaolinite, or a combination thereof; rubber; or a combination thereof. The tailings dam may also comprise a low strength and/or degradable bag to receive fluid before the fluid flows into the dewatering bag. The tailings dam may impound and/or hold in place wet tailings. Fluid may flow through the wet tailings by entering a water decant tower or other dewatering apparatus. The water decant tower may convey fluid to a drainage collection system.

Fluid may be flowed through the tailings dam comprising the dewatering bag. Fluid may be flowed laterally and vertically through the dewatering bag of the tailings dam. The fluid may be pumped through the dewatering bag and/or flowed through the dewatering bag by gravity. The tailings dam may be at least partially disposed above, or in proximity to, a system of the present invention. Fluid from the dewatering bag of the tailings dam may flow into the system of the present invention.

The system of the present invention may be used to collect fluid from concrete and/or asphalt aggregate. The concrete and/or asphalt aggregate may comprise geological or natural materials including, but not limited to, gravel, sand, crushed rock, or a combination thereof. Fluid collection from the concrete and/or asphalt aggregate may keep the concrete aggregate at a saturated surface dry condition or lower material moisture contents for asphalt aggregate and/or asphalt production. Fluid from concrete and/or asphalt aggregate may be required to be captured and/or not permitted to run off production sites by law, or according to an environmental plan.

The system may comprise a modular fluid collector. The modular fluid collector may comprise a geocellular module, containment membrane, and access unit. The containment membrane may be at least partially disposed around the geocellular module and form a cavity. The containment membrane may completely enclose the geocellular module. A plurality of geocellular modules may be connected to each other. The plurality of geocellular modules may form geocellular module bed of any length or diameter and may be at least partially surrounded by a containment membrane. The containment membrane and/or geocellular module may be in communication with an access unit. The containment membrane may comprise a port and be in communication with a conduit. The conduit may include, but is not limited to, an inlet, outlet, vent, discharge point, or a combination thereof. The modular fluid collector may further comprise a filter at least partially disposed over the geocellular module. The system and any of its components including, but not limited to, the geocellular module and the containment membrane, may be disposed at any angle. The containment membrane may comprise a polymer. The polymer may comprise polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic polyimide, polyaryletherketone, self-reinforced polyphenylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamideimide, polyarylate, poly(ether)sulfone, polyoxymethylene, or a combination thereof. The containment membrane may be permeable, semi-permeable, or impermeable to a fluid.

The system may further comprise a drainage core. The drainage core may comprise a filter, a drainage cell, core liner, and fabric. The drainage cell may comprise a geocellular structure and/or an attachment interface. A plurality of drainage cells may be attached to one another by the attachment interface. The core liner may be impermeable. The fabric may comprise a non-woven fabric. The drainage core may be at least partially disposed at an angle. The filter may be at least partially disposed above the drainage core. The drainage core may be at least partially disposed above the liner. The liner may be at least partially disposed above the fabric.

The drainage core may be disposed above the modular fluid collector and/or access unit. The drainage core may be in communication with the modular fluid collector and/or access unit and may transport fluid into the modular fluid collector and/or access unit.

The system may be disposed substantially parallel and/or perpendicular to a conveyor, a material, and/or an operational site. The system may comprise a plurality of geocellular module sections arranged substantially parallel to each other. A drainage sheet and/or a drainage core may be at least partially disposed between two geocellular module sections. The drainage sheet may comprise a drainage core. The drain sheet and/or drainage core may be substantially parallel to a geocellular module section. The drainage sheet, drainage core, and/or geocellular module section may be in communication with a collection conduit. The collection conduit may comprise a geocellular module section. The sheet, drainage core, geocellular module section, and/or collection conduit may be in communication with a sump. Fluid may flow from a material into the drainage sheet, drainage core, and/or geocellular module section before entering the collection conduit and/or sump.

Note that in the specification, “about” or “approximately” means within twenty percent (20%) of the amount or value given. The terms, “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” mean “one or more” unless context explicitly dictates otherwise. Terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation of at least ±10% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the term it modifies.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other elements. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Having thus described the disclosure of the present application in detail and by reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference.

Number	Date	Country
63196016	Jun 2021	US
63253773	Oct 2021	US
63326716	Apr 2022	US

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	18074344	Dec 2022	US
Child	18379579		US
Parent	17830429	Jun 2022	US
Child	18074344		US

FLUID COLLECTION SYSTEM

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Abstract

Description

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (3)

Continuation in Parts (2)