Slurry and Paste Backfill Pipeline Design
Pipelines are generally an efficient method for reliably transporting large quantities of materials. In our work, this often includes water, slurry, hydraulic fill, and paste backfill pipelines. However, the design principles and off-the-shelf products from other industries often do not translate well to backfill applications. In many cases, specialized designs, modeling, and engineered solutions are required. While there are commonly used techniques and designs in the industry, simply copying and pasting pipeline designs from one site to another without proper engineering can lead to safety, financial, and reliability issues. This is due to differences in materials, throughput, climate, pipeline routes, and other factors. In the last 20 years, there have been increasing products and technologies developed specifically for the mine backfill industry. When applied correctly, these innovations have improved reliability and safety in operations.