Blog Bite 2: Geotube® Dewatering - Getting it Right
By Norhisam Omar
Welcome to our blog space where we share our insights and experiences in civil engineering and geosynthetics. We feature bite-sized articles for quick and easy consumption
In all engineering challenges, getting the basics right paves the foundation for an effective and efficient solution. Dewatering slurries using TenCate Geotube® dewatering systems can be straightforward if fundamental design principles, proper installation and application fundamentals are applied. Versatile in nature, Geotube® dewatering systems performs at its optimum in industrial wastewater processing, mining and mineral processing, agriculture, municipal applications and more when the fundamentals are laid out correctly.
In Blog Bite #1 of "Getting it Right", we've explored the first 3 basic factors that contribute to getting the job done right - accurate assessments for a good design, considerations of the tube selection and design, and the requirements of polymer dosing. Let's dwell further into the next 3 basic factors in Blog Bite #2.
#4. PAD DESIGN
The most critical aspect of preparing the dewatering platform is ensuring any fall is less than 5%.
Slopes > 5% increases the risk of tubes distorting unevenly. TenCate Geotube® units are designed to be uniformly stressed when full. Distorted units result in uneven stress distribution, which in extreme circumstances can result in tube failure.
Drainage channels around the pad edges must also be capable of collecting and discharging the volume of liquids released to ensure a smooth cycle of operation.
#5. GEOTUBE® DEPLOYMENT
Proper handling, sequence of laying and filling of Geotube® units contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the whole dewatering process.
All TenCate Geotube® units are supplied on steel cores to facilitate equipment handling. Each tube has a deployment cord to aid unrolling either by hand or equipment. Once unrolled, the tubes can be unfolded and precisely positioned using handling straps fixed to the edges. The fill ports face upwards and are easily accessed by removing the cover plates.
In applications where the Geotube® units must be placed closely to each other, for example, when subsequent layers of tubes are to be deployed above the base layers, TenCate provides method statements on the best way for sequential laying and filling that is suited for each bespoke project.
#6. PUMPING AND FILLING
Follow the specifications of filling the Geotube®. Do not exceed the maximum fill height.
Each TenCate Geotube® unit delivered has a maximum fill height limit printed on the surface of the tube. The fill heights are determined by the fabric of the tube and type of slurry to be dewatered with an appropriate safety factor applied in the calculations.
Under no circumstances should the maximum fill height be exceeded.
BEST PRACTICE
Some clients prefer to undertake the deployment, filling, and operation of the tubes themselves instead of appointing specialist applicators to do the job. While this is possible, operational issues often arise during this phase of work. It is evident in complex projects involving high volume dewatering and large tubes that skilled specialist applicators or installers have the required experience and knowledge to ensure proper execution and operation of the dewatering process and can therefore better maximise higher economic returns for the client. The benefits often outweigh the drawbacks if any, and plays a vital role in ensuring all goes well from the stage of deployment to the end of the dewatering process.
This Bite completes the 6 fundamental basics for successful dewatering. We hope this article has been insightful.
If you have missed out on the first 3 fundamentals, check in to Blog Bite #1 - Getting it Right. Stay tuned as we serve up more Blog Bites very soon.
Connect with us to know more or email us at info.asia@tencategeo.com
