The use of analytical instrumentation for dam monitoring is linked to the safety of dams and their surroundings, contributing to the identification of anomalies and the prevention of failures, besides ensuring environmental and operational compliance.
Monitoring is fundamental for preventing dam failure, as liquefaction—where there is a loss of soil strength and stiffness—is caused by changes in the physico-chemical characteristics of the tailings. Furthermore, continuous monitoring eliminates human error in sample handling and guarantees the statistical representativeness of the data collected.
Online monitoring of dams allows for real-time "photographs" of physico-chemical parameters, filling temporal gaps that can impact dam safety and contributing to assertive decision-making.
The main parameters monitored in dams are: pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Turbidity, Conductivity, Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP), and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
These analyses can be performed at different points in the dams. In a concrete dam, for example, physico-chemical parameters can be monitored in the gallery drains of the dam structure, at the seeps on the floor of the drainage gallery, and in the reservoir near the dam structure.
In a compacted earth fill dam, physico-chemical monitoring occurs in flow meters, drains, wells, and the reservoir.
Another example is tailings dams, where analytical instrumentation for dam monitoring operates in the reservoirs and spillways to indicate the aspect of the water, the tailings, and the discarded effluent, respectively.
Digimed, a pioneer in analytical instrumentation in Brazil, offers process analyzers that operate in complex matrices and aggressive environments typical of mining and heavy industry. With robust instruments that feature self-cleaning systems and simplified calibration, they help reduce operational costs.
In addition, it offers integrated systems that are designed with the best instrumentation available, and in compliance with current national and international standards, to maintain the integrity of your circuit reliably and safely at all times.
Instruments for Dam Monitoring
For each of the monitored stages, Digimed has high-precision and high-accuracy instruments for analyzing various parameters, such as the TB-44A, indicated for medium and high Turbidity, and the TH-4004, for pH analysis.
The TB-44A is a process turbidimeter, which acts as an analyzer, transmitter, and controller that uses the reflectance method, protecting the optical bench and ensuring greater durability of the sensor unit, which operates between 0 and 1000 NTU or 10,000 NTU.
The TH-4004 is an analyzer, transmitter, and controller indicated for installation in pipes, panels, or flat surfaces in a practical and safe manner for reading pH in processes.
Due to legal requirements related to the Environmental Licensing process, linked to the National Dam Safety Policy, companies must conduct analyses and maintain periodic records regarding the reservoirs and the physico-chemical characteristics stored in the fluid. This enables full traceability, made possible by analytical instrumentation, and risk mitigation.
Therefore, at Digimed you have access to technical assistance and technical support, which ensure the ideal functioning of the instruments, with preventive and corrective maintenance, RBC and traceable calibrations, in addition to training on parameters and handling.
To learn more about instruments suitable for your application, please contact our team of specialists!
Virtual Assistant Didi: 115633-2200 Email: support@digimed.ind.br or Request your quote right now.