Multi-component Mass Balance

Modelling using GoldSim

Advantages and Limitations

Michael K. Herrell
GVO Office, Canada
 Outline

 Introduction to GoldSim
 Applications
 Modelling Environment
 Contaminant Transport Module
 Results Tracking

 Advantages & Disadvantages of the Software

 Conclusions & Questions
 Objective

 To provide you with a brief overview of the GoldSim Modelling software

package and to discuss the advantages and limitations of the program
to identify areas that may require additional attention when reviewing
model results.
 Identify common issues I’ve experienced using the software.
 Not intended to be a GoldSim training course.
 Discuss applications and answer questions you may have regarding the
software.
 Introduction

 GoldSim is a graphical,
object-oriented
mathematical model where
input parameters are built
as individual objects or
elements linked together
by mathematical
expressions.
 The object-based nature of
the model is designed to
facilitate understanding of
the various factors which
control the performance of
an engineered or natural
system.
 Applications

What can be modelled using GoldSim?

 Anything that requires a mathematical expression to predict the
outcome of a system.
 GoldSim can be described as a visual spreadsheet

Common Applications
 Water Balance Modelling
 Water Quality Modelling
 Radionuclide Transport
 Financial Analysis
 Modelling Environment

 GoldSim is a top-down modelling tool which allows a user to introduce

model complexity at the component level and relate model components
at the top level.
Modelling Environment
 Contaminant Transport Module

 Designed to facilitate mass balance

modelling in GoldSim
 Contains unique modelling elements
(e.g. Mixing Cells, Solution
Definition)
Contaminant Transport Module Cont’d
 Result Tracking

 Model simulations can be run deterministically to address the effects of

one precipitation event or stochastically to assess risk and uncertainty
in the model.

Deterministic Stochastic
 Advantages

 Facilitates linking of site

facilities within larger multi-
component systems.
 GoldSim preserves units and
provides output in specified
units.
 Will not allow simulation if a
non-sensical function is
entered – allows
mathematical errors to be
quickly identified.
 Calculations can be computed for desired timestep without have to
recreate inputs & elements can be forced to be inactive until specified.
 Input elements and functions have vector functionality reducing the
number of mathematical expressions required.
 Deterministic & stochastic simulation possible
 Advantages Cont’d

 Vector functionality
 Advantages Cont’d

 Input elements have been designed to assist with input management

(e.g excel elements, look-up tables).
 Advantages Cont’d

 Input elements have been designed to assist with input management

(e.g excel elements, look-up tables).
 Advantages Cont’d

 Lookups
 Limitations
 Sensitivity to user inputs – need to insure parameter inputs are specified for all inputs
otherwise zero input will be carried forward.
 May simulate unrealistic concentrations for mass loading inputs (e.g. Applying loading
rates calculated from kinetic tests)
 Timestep issues (e.g. Linking daily WatBal (date-time simulation) to monthly mass balance
(elapsed time simulation)
 Conservative approach that does not consider geochemical controls (this statement is only
half true)

 Metal solubility not dependent on pH & Eh.

 May not provide an accurate representation of non-conservative parameters (pH, alkalinity,
etc.)
 Results presentation not very sophisticated.
 Black box to non-GoldSim users.
 Conclusions

 The GoldSim software modelling package is a powerful tool for

providing conservative estimates of individual mine component and site-
wide water quality.
 Model results need to be validated with other software (e.g. Phreeqc) or
external calculation checks (e.g. Excel)

Questions?