Bench-Scale Testing of Molten Food-Grade Paraffin Wax and High Density Polyethylene as Injectable Grouts
Abstract
Molten, food-grade paraffin wax and molten high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic were tested for use as injectable grouts. The food-grade wax was tested under both saturated and unsaturated conditions, and the HDPE was tested for unsaturated conditions. The grouted medium was fractured shale. The paraffin wax sealed well under both saturated and unsaturated conditions with no shrinkage upon cooling. The HDPE suffered significant shrinkage during cooling, which adversely affected its sealing potential. Our bench-scale tests suggest that molten wax grout may be useful to shut off mine water influx in fractured rock and/or seal mine tailings piles to prevent the development of acid mine drainage and/or leaching of metals and mineral processing chemicals.
Recommended Citation
J. D. Guggenberger et al., "Bench-Scale Testing of Molten Food-Grade Paraffin Wax and High Density Polyethylene as Injectable Grouts," International Journal of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Environment, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 29 - 40, Taylor & Francis, Jan 2005.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1080/13895260412331314239
Department(s)
Mining Engineering
Second Department
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Wax; Grout; Polyethylene; Water Shut Off; Polyethylene; Waxes
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1389-5265
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2005 Taylor & Francis, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2005
