Journal Published Online: 05 October 2011
Volume 35, Issue 1

A Modified Oxygen Consumption Test to Evaluate Gas Flux through Oxygen Barrier Cover Systems

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

The evaluation of an oxygen barrier cover performance is an integral part of many reclamation programs that aim at limiting acid mine drainage (AMD) production from sulphide tailings. The oxygen flux through the cover to the underlying reactive tailings should then be much smaller (by a factor of 1000 or more) than the flux into exposed (uncovered) tailings. Different techniques have been developed over the years to assess this flux. Given the limitations encountered when using available approaches to measure such low oxygen flux, the authors have developed a modified testing and interpretation method based on the oxygen consumption (OC) test, which is commonly used to determine oxidation rates of uncovered tailings. The proposed modifications to the OC testing procedure are presented in this paper, together with the new interpretation method. Typical tests results obtained with the modified OC method on an existing site, reclaimed using a layered cover with capillary barrier effects (CCBE), are presented and discussed. The results demonstrate that the modified oxygen consumption (MOC) test is an effective tool to assess the performance of oxygen barrier covers used to prevent AMD.

Author Information

Dagenais, Anne-Marie
Industrial NSERC Polytechnique-UQAT Chair on Environment and Mine Wastes Management, URSTM – UQAT
Mbonimpa, Mamert
Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Canada
Bussière, Bruno
Université du Que’bec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Canada
Aubertin, Michel
Industrial NSERC Polytechnique-UQAT Chair on Environment and Mine Wastes Management, Dept. of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering, Canada
Pages: 9
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: GTJ103621
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ103621