Coal Mine Tank Aeration for Iron Reduction

Project Objective & Goals

• Iron Reduction

• Install a turnkey aeration system designed for seamless operation and harsh weather conditions

Methods 

• Install 40 Can-Air Mega X2 diffusers within a 66 ft dia. tank

• Install two 40 HP blowers to supply the system 

  • (1) On-duty​

  • (1) Stand-by

• Supply VFDs and line reactors

• The system is designed to operate all year​

• Connection to the 40-way manifold 

• Pressure test equipment on site

Challenges 

• High Elevation:

  • Oxygen saturation at higher elevations decreases. 

  • Harsh winter conditions in the mountains ​​require equipment insulation and heating

• Tank access 

  • The tank was considered a confined space and ladders were required to enter/exit the tank.

• Shipping logistics:

  • This remote site required special freight and handling. A piece of equipment was damaged during transport.​

• Power supply delays

  • the site was not equipped with power when the system was installed 

Timeline

Installation: Spring 2024

Planned Solutions 

• High Elevation:

  • Work with blower engineers to confirm equipment specifications

  • Insulate and heat required equipment to  withstand winter conditions 

• Tank access 

  • Confined space and fall arrest training was required for our staff to install the system

• Shipping logistics:

  • Coordination with specified shippers familiar with the site

  • The damaged item was replaced

• Power supply delays 

  • A rental compressor was brought in to test the system and blower commissioning was rescheduled.

Results 

• We are working with the client to monitor the systems performance.