Time domain reflectometry measurements of oil sands tailings water content: A study of influencing parameters
CIM Journal, Vol. 4, No. 2, 2013
A. R. Sorta, D. C. Sego, and G. W. Wilson
University of Alberta, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Markin/CNRL Natural Resources Engineering Facility, Edmonton, AB
Temperature, solute, texture and thixotropic effects on time domain reflectometry (TDR) measurements of water content in oil sands tailings are investigated. Results indicate that TDR water content measurements are influenced by temperature, residual bitumen and percent clay in the tailings. Apparent dielectric constant (Ka) correction of 0.03–0.10/°C is required to account temperature effect. The Ka-volumetric water content relationships of slurry significantly differ from the commonly used Topp’s calibration equation. The age of the tailings and the addition of Phosphogypsum did not influence TDR water content measurements.
