In the heart of China’s Guangdong province, a groundbreaking development is reshaping the way large-diameter slurry shield tunnels are constructed, with significant implications for the energy sector. A team of researchers, led by Dr. Zhang Jian from Hohai University’s Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Geomechanics and Embankment Engineering, has developed a novel H-type dewatering reagent that is transforming slurry separation treatment.
The Zhanjiang Bay undersea tunnel project, a monumental undertaking, presented unique challenges. Traditional methods struggled with slow dewatering rates, high water content in sludge, and environmental concerns related to wastewater discharge. “We needed a solution that was efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly,” said Dr. Zhang.
Enter the H-type reagent. Through a series of rigorous tests, including flocculation, dewatering, micromechanical tests, and field production tests, the team uncovered the reagent’s remarkable properties. The H-type reagent not only accelerates the flocculation velocity of the slurry but also creates calcium drainage channels that enhance water permeability, reducing slurry viscosity and improving press filtration and dewatering efficiency.
The results speak for themselves. With an optimal addition rate of just 0.5%, the H-type reagent reduces the water content of dewatered sludge by approximately 18.1% compared to traditional polyacrylamide (PAM) reagents. Moreover, the supernatant remains exceptionally clear, with a pH value of 7.8, meeting direct discharge standards. “The H-type reagent’s dual action—bridging net and electro-neutralization—allows fine particles to aggregate into larger clusters, significantly improving the dewatering process,” explained Dr. Zhang.
The commercial impacts for the energy sector are substantial. By using the H-type reagent, the project has increased the solid content of de-cemented samples by 30.5% and reduced project costs by 20%. These efficiencies could revolutionize large-scale construction projects, particularly those involving tunneling and slurry management.
The research, published in the journal ‘Yantu gongcheng xuebao’ (translated to ‘Rock and Soil Engineering’), highlights the potential for innovative chemical solutions to address longstanding challenges in construction and energy infrastructure. As Dr. Zhang and his team continue to refine their work, the H-type reagent could become a standard in the industry, paving the way for more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable practices.
This development is not just a win for the construction industry but also for the energy sector, which often relies on large-scale tunneling projects for infrastructure development. The H-type reagent’s ability to enhance dewatering efficiency and reduce costs could accelerate project timelines and improve overall feasibility, making it a game-changer for future endeavors. As the world continues to push for more sustainable and efficient construction methods, innovations like the H-type reagent will be at the forefront of this transformation.