Reactive transport simulation of Uranium ISL at the block scale: a tool for testing designs and operation scenarios
Résumé
This study details the development of a tool simulating in the 3D fluid flow as well as the coupled physical and chemical processes in an ISL production block. The model relies on an appropriate description of uranium bearing aquifer: 3D geologic model, geostatistical simulation of hydrodynamic parameters, the uranium and other mineral concentrations. Also, a correct assessment of the chemical reactions at stake is necessary. It is then possible to simulate the ISL operations with a reactive transport approach (code HYTEC). Among other simulation results available, the evolution of the uranium concentration at production wells can be predicted. The model was applied at a technological block scale (75 technical wells). The simulations allow to reproduce the behaviour in terms of uranium recovery and to test scenarios of production for optimization purposes.