optimization of isr injection and extraction systems...a hydraulic simulator integrates...
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Optimization of ISR I j ti d E t ti S tInjection and Extraction Systems
Presented by: Shawn Leppert
Leppert Associates
NRC/NMA UraniumNRC/NMA Uranium Recovery Workshop
July 1-2, 2009 Denver, Colorado
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A Uranium Mine Prospect
Opportunity – Uranium Ore has been Delineated within a Fluvial DepositsFound within water-bearing geologic units 100+ feet below ground surfaceData indicate the uranium is potentially present in mineable quantitiesData indicate the uranium is potentially present in mineable quantities
Challenge - Can the Uranium Ore be Extracted Cost Effectively Using Hydraulic Methods; if so How?
Understand the subsurface setting Geology Hydrology & GeochemistryMaximize the Extraction of Uranium Ore Efficient Lixiviant Delivery/RecoveryMinimize Environmental Liability Placement of Monitoring Network
Understand the subsurface setting Geology, Hydrology, & Geochemistry
Minimize Required Restoration Tight Control of Lixiviant Distribution
Contributing FactorsSubstantial Site Surface and Subsurface DataFluid Hydraulics are Predictable
Minimize Required Restoration Tight Control of Lixiviant Distribution
Fluid Hydraulics are PredictableUncertain Shallow Geology (even with a large number of geologic logs)
Solution – Develop A Regimented Quantitative Decision Framework
Site Specific Information has been Modified to Protect Its Propriety Nature
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Quantitative Analysis as a Part of the Regimented Decision Framework
A Hydraulic Simulator Integrates Hydrogeologic and Hydrogeochemical Data into a Dynamic Decision FrameworkData into a Dynamic Decision Framework
The Decision Framework can Evolve as an Understanding of the Subsurface
Quantitative Analysis Tools Have Advanced Since the Last ISR Mine Permitted W ll T t d A t d d P ti bl
Increases
Accurate Extraction/Injection Well Simulation
Finite-Element Surface Representation
Dynamic Front Generation
Explicit Water Table Emulation
Wells Tested, Accepted and Practicable
Accurate Extraction/Injection Well SimulationDynamic Front Generation
Direct Simulation of Separate LiquidsTelescopic Mesh Refinement
Faulting/Fracturing Coupling with Geochemical Model
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FEFLOW Model Development
Finite-Element Mesh
54 Layers, 55 SurfacesTelescopic Mesh
Total of 1,050,408 Elements
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FEFLOW Model Development
Aerial ViewFinite-Element Mesh
54 Layers, 55 SurfacesTelescopic Mesh
Cross-Section B-B’Cross-Section B-B’Cross-Section C-C’Cross-Section C-C’
Porous Media Property Distribution
Total of 1,050,408 Elements
Geology Defined by LogsVery Fine Grained MediaFine Grained Media
Uranium SymposiumUranium SymposiumUranium SymposiumUranium Symposium
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FEFLOW Model Development
Finite-Element Mesh
54 Layers, 55 SurfacesTelescopic Mesh Lateral Inflow of
GroundwaterRiver Influence on Aquifer
Precipitation-Based Recharge
Porous Media Property Distribution
Total of 1,050,408 Elementso qu e
H d li B d i
Geology Defined by th LogsVery Fine Grained MediaFine Grained Media
Hydraulic Boundaries
Precipitation Recharge Local Creek
Lateral Flow
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FEFLOW Model Development
Finite-Element Mesh
54 Layers, 55 SurfacesTelescopic Mesh
Generator PumpP i
Hypothetical
Porous Media Property Distribution
Total of 1,050,408 ElementsGenerator Pump
ControllerPumping
Well
H d li B d i
Geology Defined by th LogsVery Fine Grained MediaFine Grained Media
Flow Control/Meter Apparatus
Hydraulic Boundaries
Precipitation Recharge Local Creek
Lateral FlowWell 1Well 2 SimWell 3 SimWell 1 SimWell 3Well 2
Calibration
Hydraulic Stress Tests Parameter Estimation
Target – Hydraulic Heads
Parameter Estimation
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Lixiviant Delivery/Recovery System Design
Ore Body ScenarioModerate
Permeability
MixedPermeability
UraniumOre
LLowPermeability
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Lixiviant Delivery/Recovery System Design
Ore Body Scenario
Examine the Injection
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Lixiviant Delivery/Recovery System Design
Ore Body Scenario
Examine the Injection
Mechanical Design
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Lixiviant Delivery/Recovery System Design
Ore Body Scenario
Examine the Injection
Mechanical Design
Optimized DesignOptimized Design
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Lixiviant Delivery/Recovery System Design
Ore Body Scenario
Examine the Injection
Mechanical Design
Optimized DesignOptimized Design
Sweeping Design
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Lixiviant Delivery/Recovery System Design
Ore Body Scenario
(1) Volume of Ore Zone having
Comparison Criteria
Examine the Injection(1) Volume of Ore Zone having
a Lixiviant Saturation >50%• Maximize Delivery• Favorable if the Lixiviant is ControlledMechanical Design
Optimized Design
• Favorable if the Lixiviant is Controlled
(2) Average Residence Time of LixiviantOptimized Design
Sweeping Design
• Maximize Recovery … Minimize Residence Time
(3) Volume of Lixiviant Remaining after ½
Scenario Comparison
(3) Volume of Lixiviant Remaining after ½ Year of Clean-Water Injection/Extraction• Minimize Restoration Activities
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Lixiviant Delivery/Recovery System Design
Ore Body Scenario
Examine the Injection
2 da
ys
,152
ft3
6 ft3
Mechanical Design
Optimized Design13
106
days
4,44
9,
3,11
2,03
6
ft3 ft3Optimized Design
Sweeping Design
79 d
ays
2,89
8762
f
3,11
2,03
6
Scenario Comparison88
,608
ft3
102,
762
ft3
Mechanical Optimize Sweeping
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Quantitative Hydrogeologic Decision Framework
Geology
Data Evaluation Decision
Pilot Tests & Additional Characterization
HydrologyQuantitative ModelElectronic
Hydraulic Property Estimation
Hydrology
GW Quality Tables (dynamic)
Hydrostratigraphy Tables (static)
Hydrologic Tables (dynamic)
Event Tables (dynamic)
Database
1
0 . 5
L e g e n d
N
F r a c t i o n o fI n j e c t i o n M a t e r i a l
Lixiviant Delivery & Recovery System Design
Geochemistry Geochemical Table (Static)Well Construction Tables
(static)
(dynamic)L S 5 0 1 1 M
L S 5 0 1 2 M
L S 5 0 1 3 M
0 . 1
0 . 0 5
0 . 0 1
0 . 0 0 5
0 . 0 0 1
0 . 0 0 0 5
0 . 0 0 0 1
L o s t S o l d i e rA r e a o f I n t e r e s t
D r a w n b y : M A W0 2 / 2 3 / 0 7
P o t S u r f l p k
F i n a l L i n eS t e a d y S t a t e
W e l l
System Performance Monitoring
Reports/PermitsReclamationGeophysical
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Conclusions
Demonstrated how the Quantitative Decision Framework can be used to Assist in the Design of a Hydraulic Lixiviant Delivery and Recovery Systemg y y y y
Optimize the design to maximize its efficiency
Comparison of three design alternatives using three quantitative design criteria
Design a system the will control the lixiviant so as to require only minor restoration efforts
One can Infer How the Decision Framework can Assist in the other
Place an effective subsurface monitoring network
Develop a thorough understanding of the subsurface setting Challenges
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End
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