This upgrade supports cleaner terminal operations by reducing coal fines* in wastewater and minimizing on-site maintenance requirements through a simplified coal/water separation process.
*Coal fines are very tiny pieces of coal like dust or powder. Even though they’re small, they can cause big problems in water systems or during processing if not managed properly.
Community Impact
As part of ongoing improvements to wastewater handling, this project introduced a coal/water separation system at Westshore Terminals. The goal was to reduce the amount of coal fines entering site reservoirs and improve the efficiency of slurry management. The system contributes to more sustainable operations by decreasing the need for sludge pit maintenance and supporting long-term site functionality.
If not removed, coal fines can:
- Clog filters and reservoirs
- Settle into drainage pits, creating sludge
- Pollute the environment if discharged untreated
Binnie’s Role
New curved screens called sieve bends* were installed to remove most of the coal from a fast-moving stream of wastewater, about 1,600 gallons per minute. This simple, gravity-based solution includes minimal moving parts and no complex electronics. Maintenance is limited to routine cleaning of the overflow and underflow ponds.
A multistage pumping system was also introduced to replace the use of large drainage sludge pits, which had required ongoing cleaning due to heavy particulate buildup. These pits were reduced in size and converted into transfer sumps that move slurry directly to the facility for clarification.
*Sieve bends are curved metal screens used to separate solid particles (like coal) from water.
Challenges
Managing the volume of coal-laden slurry while reducing site maintenance demands was a key challenge. Legacy infrastructure required frequent cleanouts that were time-consuming and resource intensive.
Notable Achievements
- Introduced a simplified, low-maintenance coal separation system
- Reduced the size and maintenance needs of sludge pits
- Handled a high-volume flow of 1,600 US GPM
- Supported improved site water management and reduced sedimentation in reservoirs
