Praetorian Geological Stress Detection System for Tailings Dams Monitoring
Tailings Dams are massive structures used all over for the bulk storage of mineral processing wastes. These earthen structures can measure tens of kilometers in length and width and be hundreds of meters tall. In terms of total volume tailings dams are the largest manmade structures in existence. However, over the last 20 years the rate of tailings dams failing has doubled. Failures of tailings dams are perhaps the worst possible case scenario for any mineral extraction operation. Events causing loss of life in the hundreds or even thousands, Environmental fines reaching billions of dollars and the loss of facility infrastructure and production are a confronting prospect. HAWK has developed a solution to prevent tailings dams failure. HAWK's Praetorian Geological Stress Detection System utilizes fiber optic sensing technology for the real time monitoring of field strain within earthen structures. This revolutionary technology uses fiber optic cables that are then inserted into the structure through drilled boreholes. These cables monitor field strain and deflection caused by dam loading and report both the borehole position and depth where the strain or deflection is occurring within the retaining wall structure. Sensitivities achievable with the Praetorian Geological Stress Detection System means that potential issues with ground shift can be detected and intercepted well in advance of visually symptoms of structural issues.
Industries
- Coal mines (Hazardous area Suitable)
- Hardrock Mines
- Unmanned Tailings Facilities
- Historical Sites of concern
- Ecological or safety critical structures
- Tailings Dams
- Open Pit Mines (Shelf Stability)
- Tailings Reprocessing projects
- Reservoirs
- Embankments
- Levies and Flood Barriers
Product: FOS-4
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Principle of Operation
Brillouin Backscatter is the primary physical principle for sensing both temperature and strain within fiber optics. The sensing cable is deployed in boreholes that are drilled into the dam wall and spaced so that they intercept geotechnically important features within the dam wall.
Temperature Compensation
Brillouin DTS Temperature profiling within the wall structure is undertaken to prevent changes in ground or groundwater temperature from impacting strain measurements within the strata profile. Temperature readings are accurate down to ±0.25°C (±32.45°F) which allows for error-free strain measurement
Temperature Detection
One of the major precursor events to dam failure is the seepage of liquid through the dam wall. Detection of this seepage is possible utilizing fiber optic embedded in the surface of the dam wall where the detection of the lower temperature of leaking fluids moves through the warmer structure of the wall.
For more on our geological stress detection system for tailing dam monitoring, visit Hawkfiber.com!
• Early Warning system
• Smaller faults found earlier
• Personnel free operation (fully automatic)
• Suitable for remote alert/alarm configuration.
• Email Reporting and SMS alarm integration compatible
• Removes personnel from the line of fire
• Online
4RU 19" Rack Enclosure (190x600x490mm)
Sensing Element: Fiber Optic Sensing Cable
Number of Channels: 1 or 2
Interrogator Operating Temp: 0 - 50ºC (0 - 122ºF)
Unit Operating Humidity (max): 85% non-condensing
Power Supply: 110-240VAC (50-60Hz), 24VDC