ASTM has released a new standard covering strong plastic piping systems for underground mine leachate systems.
ASTM F2986, Specification for Corrugated Polyethylene Pipe and Fittings for Mine Leachate Applications, is directed at leachate pipe that’s buried deep underground and designed for harsh chemical exposure from corrosive acid or alkaline effluent. ASTM F2986 targets pipe that primarily collects or conveys ore leachate to a mineral or metal processing and extraction facility.
ASTM F2986, the international standards organization says, will ensure specification of pipe in large mine operations that will not deteriorate prematurely. The standard was developed, according to John Kurdziel, director of technical services and market development for Hilliard, Ohio-based Advanced Drainage Systems, and secretary of the ASTM committee that established ASTM F2986, “because an entire market segment, mine leachate applications, was not being served by any specific engineered pipe product.”
According to him, most of the pipe being used in leachate applications was storm, sanitary, or agricultural drainage pipe that doesn’t address harsh conditions and load requirements at mines.
More on ASTM F2986 can be found at www.astm.org.
