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Italian Efficient Water Management for a Canadian Oil Sands Operation.
In the energy sector, particularly within oil sands operations, water management is critical due to the substantial volumes of water used and generated during extraction and processing. Oil sands facilities, such as those in Northern Alberta, Canada, rely on effective water management to handle basal water ponds, which store process-affected water from mining activities. These ponds must be carefully managed to prevent environmental contamination, ensure regulatory compliance, and support operational continuity. Advanced evaporation systems have emerged as a key technology, offering efficient dewatering solutions that reduce water volumes while minimizing environmental impact and supporting mine expansion plans.
For the client, a major oil sands operation in Northern Alberta, managing excess water in basal water ponds was crucial to prevent disruptions to mining activities and to comply with stringent environmental regulations. The implementation of a tailored evaporation solution addressed these challenges, enabling the facility to maintain water balance, support mine expansion, and achieve pond decommissioning goals, all while aligning with sustainable water management practices.
Industry – Energy.
Sector – Oil Sands
Location – Northern Alberta, Canada
Product/Scope – 3 x Turn-key land-based evaporation systems with environmental management systems
Volume throughput – 1,620 GPM / 364 m3/hour
Evaporation efficiency estimation – 30-40%
Application – Basal water ponds
Oil Sands Brine Water Removal
Brief
This case study highlights the successful deployment of a water management solution at a major oil sands facility in Northern Alberta, Canada. The project involved the supply and commissioning of three turn-key land-based evaporation systems, each integrated with an Environmental Management System (EMS), to address excess water in basal water ponds. The initiative supported the facility’s dewatering objectives, ensured compliance with environmental regulations, and facilitated the planned decommissioning of the basal water ponds, enabling mine expansion.
Challenge
The client’s facility faced significant challenges due to excess water accumulation in basal water ponds, a byproduct of oil sands extraction processes. This surplus water risked impacting production by hindering access to mining areas and complicating compliance with environmental regulations. The facility required a robust dewatering solution to manage a high-water throughput, achieve a specific pond decommissioning timeline, and support the natural extension of the mine plant. Additionally, the solution needed to operate effectively under varying environmental conditions while maintaining cost efficiency and adhering to regulations.
Scope
The solution encompassed the supply and commissioning of three turn-key land-based evaporation systems, each with a capacity of 540 gallons per minute (GPM), totaling 1,620 GPM (364 m³/hour). Each system included an Environmental Management System (EMS) for autonomous operation based on environmental parameters, such as wind speed and direction. The scope also included two Motor Control Centres, stainless filters, pumps, pipework, and cable packages, along with comprehensive commissioning, training, ongoing servicing, after-sales support, and troubleshooting to ensure seamless integration and performance.
Results
The deployed solution achieved a water flow rate of 5,400 GPM, equivalent to 7,776,000 gallons per day (29,160 m³/day), with an estimated evaporation efficiency of 30-40%. This resulted in the daily removal of 2,332,800 to 3,110,400 gallons (8,748 to 11,664 m³) of water from the basal water ponds. The high-capacity evaporation systems enabled the client to adhere to their dewatering schedule, ensuring the timely decommissioning of the basal water ponds to support mine expansion. The integrated Environmental Management System (EMS) facilitated autonomous operation, aligning with site-specific environmental parameters and regulatory requirements, thereby minimizing environmental impact and enhancing operational efficiency.