Mechanical Evaporators

FAQ

Mechanically - Enhanced Evaporation

The Minetek Evaporators employ a process known as Mechanically Enhanced Evaporation (MEE).
Evaporation is enhanced by the Minetek Evaporator primarily by two means. The feed water is delivered
at high pressure to a series of fracturing nozzles. This produces millions of droplets per second, resulting
in a massive increase in surface area, much greater than could be practically achieved by an evaporation
pond. The Minetek Evaporator also employs a fan to increase the wind speed to more than 150 km/h,
thus increasing the Evaporation Rate well beyond that of the ambient Pan Evaporation Rate (PER) (to
which evaporation ponds are limited).
As you can appreciate, we are simply taking a natural process (solar evaporation from the sun) and
mechanically enhancing it through the use of the Mechanical Minetek evaporator.

The Minetek Evaporator

The Minetek evaporation system functions by discharging water through a unique water fracturing
nozzle. This nozzle is designed to achieve the correct water molecule size by fracturing, to maximize
performance via droplet reduction and direct water fragmentation. The water is then injected into a high
volume/high-velocity air stream to propel it into the atmosphere. Enhancing hang time and exposure to
external- ambient elements.
This is a continual process with the ambient air being replenished via a high-performance vane blower
unit within the Evaporator. Drawing air from fresh ambient surroundings to maintain and achieve the
highest possible evaporation.

Evaporation Efficiency
Minetek undertakes specific evaporation efficiency modelling for each client we work with. This is based
on weather data inputs such as humidity, rainfall, elevation, wind, TDS and temperature.
This model enables us to understand the evaporation rates we will be able to achieve over 12 months in
any specific climate. Based on the outcome of this study and the volume of water that is required to be
evaporated, Minetek is able to propose and configure a solution to meet the specific requirements.
The Minetek Evaporators are engineered to achieve an evaporation efficiency of approximately 50% in a
single pass, e.g., if 1000L of water is expelled into the air, 500L will be lost as a water vapor, while the
remaining 500L of non-evaporated water returns to the feed pond as shown in the diagram below.

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1. Are the systems operationally capable in extreme climates?
Minetek has evaporators operating in all climates globally including in a very diverse range of operating
conditions.
• High Humid and tropical climates such as: The Caribbean, Brazil, Central & West Africa, Northern
Australia, South Eastern USA
• Cold, Seasonal northern climates such as: Alaska, Siberia, British Columbia, Nunavut, Alberta,
Saskatchewan, Montana, Illinois, Utah, Nevada, Portugal; Turkey, Azerbaijan, Peru
• Arid & Desert climates such as: Australia; South Africa, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Arizona, California

2. What quality of water are the systems built to operate in?

Minetek units can be customized to suit water quality. For example, Stainless 316L, Galvanized steel,
Epoxy coating, 316 Stainless wet parts.

3. What amount of solids can the system process?

Up to approximately 150,000ppm 15% solids to suit any water quality.

4. What is the intensity of maintenance required?

Depending on the water quality, a few hours per month.

5. How do you manage drift/over spay?

The Environmental management system (EMS) The EMS stops and starts the evaporation system based
on parameters set by the client including weather conditions such as rainfall, temperature, wind speed &
direction.

6. How does the weather station work?

The weather station can be operated via the PLC or remotely from your computer. The station can be set
to control humidity, rain, wind speed, drift radius, wind direction and to set time periods of operation.

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7. How far is the water plume shot into the air?
20 metres up, 15 metres across. This ensures an adequate plume and water particle hang time, with no
accumulation of droplets preventing premature fall.

8. Is regulatory approval/permitting required?

There is typically no governmental precedent regulating the application of this technology. We are
essentially taking a naturally occurring process and mechanically enhancing it through the use of the
evaporator fans. Minetek is able to assist our clients through this process if required.

9. Can the system be customised from site to site?

Yes. Options available can take into account:
• Voltage requirements
• Maintenance safety platforms with
• Materials of construction options such as hot handrails (fixed units only)
dipped galvanized steel, stainless steel and
• Acoustic package
specialized epoxy coatings
• Automated weather control system
• Fixed or adjustable vertical and horizontal
discharge angles • Suggested spare parts list

10. Can Minetek offer a Turnkey Solutions

turnkey solution, including
install and commissioning?
Yes. Minetek offer a total turnkey
package solution for customers who
prefer to have the entire project,
designed, engineered and managed
from start to finish. This includes an
initial site assessment, through to a fully
energized and automated evaporation
system. Minetek is also able to provide
commissioning & training.

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11. Are final design and engineering drawings included?
Yes, a full package is supplied including operation & maintenance documentation.

12. Can additional units be added?

Yes. The units are modular and additional units can be added for future requirements.

13. What solutions can Minetek offer for recommissioning of closed mines?
If excess water is an issue or if the pits or underground workings, storage or tailings dams are full of
water and are impeding the operation to start up again, Minetek offer a solution through water
evaporation. The system can be mobilized quickly and expanded as required.

14. What solutions can Minetek offer for remediation of closed mines?
Excess water is managed in the same way as recommissioning of closed mines, though closed mines
includes de-watering and controlling the levels in redundant voids or pits. The application of the Minetek
evaporation system also includes the de-watering tailings dams in preparation for capping and closure,
and acid mine drainage evaporation. There is also the contingency to quickly mobilize the system in the
case of a large weather event and there is risk of overflow. The units can be mobilized and started quickly
to draw down dam, pond or pit.

15. Can Minetek offer anything that lowers the environmental footprint?
Yes. Minetek offers a solution that removes the need to discharge water into the environment, or rivers,
creeks and streams. If water is evaporated at the source the risk of outside environmental contamination
is eliminated. Addressing the problem at the source lowers the risk of pollution to the waterways and
ecosystems.

16. Is this a version of a sprinkler irrigation system?

The best possible evaporative result from an irrigation system is 11%. On average, the Minetek evaporation
system results in an average of 50%. A sprinkler simply deposits water and replenishes the ground it is
not designed to be a mechanical evaporator.

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