Use of an Innovative Technique to Detect the Leakage of Bayer Liquor Through a Liner Defect

Abstract

Bayer liquor is a major liquid effluent of the aluminium manufacturing process. It needs to be stored and managed properly for contamination control. Hence, it is stored in containment structures which are equipped with highly engineered lining systems. These lining systems are designed such that their performance can be ascertained over their intended period of operation. However, the liners are found to fail due to various factors. Therefore, there is a need for the use of real-time monitoring method for the lining systems. The current study uses an electrical resistivity-based leak detection technique to determine leakage issues in the lining systems of containment facilities in aluminium industry. Bayer liquor procured from an aluminium manufacturing company in Perth, Australia was used for the tests. Based on the results, the leak detection technique was found to be effective in detecting leakage issues through liners in aluminium industry, irrespective of the leakage duration. Furthermore, the system can help the practicing engineers in the design and placement of sensor systems, numerical modelling, and so on.