Terravua's Innovative Geotextile Tube Dewatering Solutions
Updated: Aug 13
A platinum processing plant faced a significant operational challenge: the concentrator throughput was exceeding the capacity of existing filter presses. This situation led to frequent breakdowns, high maintenance costs, and an increasing risk to production continuity.
With filter press performance declining and maintenance demands rising, the operation needed a reliable mining dewatering solution. This solution had to function as both a backup system and a long-term optimization strategy. Terravua, in collaboration with our international manufacturing partner, was brought in to explore whether geotextile tube dewatering could serve as a viable alternative.
Pilot Testing: Validating Geotextile Tube Dewatering in Mining Performance
We conducted a site visit to evaluate the slurry characteristics and assess suitability for slurry dewatering using geotextile tubes.
Testing confirmed:
Slurry solids concentration of approximately 50–55%
Limited free water, indicating a high solids sludge dewatering challenge
Moderate natural drainage without flocculant support
Jar testing and cone filtration trials were performed to benchmark expected performance.
Results showed:
From a 300 ml sludge sample, approximately 50 ml of filtrate water was released.
A strong correlation existed between lab-scale testing and expected field performance.
A pilot geotextile dewatering tube was then installed and connected to the settler feed.
Pilot Results: Measurable Dewatering and Volume Reduction
The pilot tube delivered consistent and predictable results:
Filling time: ±2 hours
Dewatering performance: ~40% volume reduction within 13 hours
Multi-cycle operation: The tube filled over 3 cycles before reaching capacity.
The reduction in tube height directly reflected water loss, validating both lab testing assumptions and real-world performance.
Following filling, the material was left to consolidate:
Consolidation period: 1–2 weeks
Final moisture content: ~15–20%
This process achieved a manageable, stackable solids product, suitable for handling and further processing.
Scaling the Solution: From Pilot to Operational Deployment
Based on the successful pilot performance, we scaled the system to a larger unit:
Tube size: 13.7 m circumference × 20 m length
Capacity: ±220 m³ per tube
The geotextile tubes are now deployed as a secondary dewatering system within the plant.
Operational Benefits: A Practical Alternative to Filter Presses
The implementation of geotextile tube dewatering in mining operations delivered immediate and strategic benefits:
Reduced reliance on filter presses, lowering maintenance risk.
Provided overflow and contingency capacity during peak production.
Enabled continued operation during filter press downtime.
Assisted in clearing holding ponds, freeing up critical space.
Delivered a low-maintenance, non-mechanical dewatering solution.
This approach effectively positioned geotextile tubes as a filter press alternative for high solids slurry applications.
Strategic Impact: Improving Plant Resilience and Efficiency
By integrating geotextile tube dewatering, the operation transitioned from a constrained system to a more flexible and resilient processing strategy. The solution not only addressed immediate bottlenecks but also introduced a scalable method for:
Tailings dewatering
Sludge volume reduction
Water recovery in mining operations
Conclusion: A Smarter Approach to Mining Dewatering
This case study demonstrates that geotextile tube dewatering is a proven, cost-effective alternative to traditional filter press systems, particularly in high solids environments.
For mining operations facing:
Filter press limitations
High maintenance costs
Throughput constraints
Geotextile tubes provide a practical, scalable, and operationally robust dewatering solution.
At Terravua, we are excited about our innovative solutions and the positive impact they can have on mining operations. We believe in finding solutions in every situation and appreciate the input from our partners. Our commitment to respect and responsibility drives us to deliver the best for our customers.
For more information about our geotextile tubes and engineering capabilities, please visit our website.
