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Italian Water Evaporation Solution for Alberta Oil Sands Mine with Brine Water Removal
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
Application – Brine Water Removal
Case Study: Brine Water Removal for Oil Sands Operation
Brief
This case study highlights the deployment of three advanced, turn-key land-based evaporation systems equipped with integrated environmental management at a major oil sands facility in Northern Alberta. The solution enabled efficient and consistent brine water removal, ensured full regulatory compliance, and allowed uninterrupted mining operations. The site regularly encountered challenges from high brine water volumes produced during extraction, necessitating a reliable and efficient evaporation solution to mitigate environmental risks and maintain stable, compliant operations.
Challenge
The facility was challenged by excess brine water, which jeopardized production continuity and compliance with environmental standards. Rapid removal of this water was essential to avoid operational disruptions, regulatory penalties, and increased costs. The client required a robust and cost-effective dewatering system capable of handling variable water qualities and harsh site conditions. Without proper management, uncontrolled brine water posed significant risks, including environmental contamination, operational shutdowns, and non-compliance fines. Implementing effective brine water management was vital for safe, continuous operations and environmental stewardship
Scope
The project included the supply and commissioning of three land-based evaporation systems delivering a combined throughput of 1,620 gallons per minute (GPM), or 364 m³/hour. Each unit featured Minetek's advanced Environmental Management System (EMS) for autonomous, adaptive operation based on real-time site conditions such as wind speed and direction. The scope also covered installation of motor control centers, stainless steel filtration, pumps, pipework, and cable packages, along with comprehensive operator training, maintenance, after-sales support, and troubleshooting to ensure seamless integration and long-term performance.
Results
The installed systems processed approximately 5,400 GPM, or 7,776,000 gallons daily, with an evaporation efficiency of 30-40%. This enabled the daily removal of 2,332,800 to 3,110,400 gallons of brine, aligning with dewatering targets and supporting operational schedules. The EMS ensured adaptive, regulation-compliant operations, while Minetek’s ongoing support delivered reliability and cost efficiency. By addressing the brine water challenge, the project enabled the client to maintain uninterrupted production, protect the environment, and meet all regulatory requirements.