INSTALLATION OF LEAKAGE BARRIERS TO ENHANCE YIELD OF MINERAL DEPOSITS IN UNLINED SOLAR POND SYSTEMS

摘要

Slurry walls and methods of using those slurry walls to seal unlined solar ponds are provided. The slurry walls are formed from a mixture comprising clay and cement in water. A trench is keyed into the dike surrounding the solar pond, down to a geotechnically predetermined level. The slurry is deposited into the trench and allowed to harden, after which it is covered with a membrane or other covering. The inventive slurry walls reduce, and preferably prevent, leakage of water from the solar pond.