Minpro Mine Slag Granulation Cooling Tower

Background

The Impala Platinum slag granulation cooling tower in Rustenburg had several flaws that were causing cracks and severe water leakage. Because of the nature of this project, the reservoir could not be emptied for the repair process, as not only would it stagnate their smelting process, but it would incur enormous labour and operational costs. Therefore, repairs would have to be to the negative side.

Impala had numerous contractors prepare a test panel on the negative side of the structure to confirm whether their solution would work for this extremely large 6m (20 ft) deep reservoir structure.

Sanika Waterproofing Specialists prepared the only successful test panel using the Kryton Crack Repair Waterproofing System. Thus, we were awarded the contract to repair, rejuvenate and waterproof the concrete cooling tower.

Solution

We had to remove the unsuccessful membranes and other products from the structure to prepare it for the crack repair and waterproofing process. After preparing the surface, we had to act quickly with a Kryton Krystol Plug as the water penetrating through the cracks was at a temp of over 80 C° (176 F°). After the Krystol Plug successfully stopped the flow of water, we prepared and installed the remainder of the Kryton Crack Repair System followed by a coat of Krystol T1 & T2 to completely waterproof the reservoir.

Impala was pleased with the work and had this to say, “Sanika Waterproofing Specialists performed the work in an exemplary fashion, with due respect to all safety, environmental and quality aspects. The work was executed within budget and on time with a very high standard of quality.”

Subsequent inspections have been conducted by an independent consulting engineer appointed by Impala. The engineers determined that the Kryton crack repair system installed by Sanika is a long-term and superior quality solution.