Numerical Simulation of Atmospheric Migration of Particles from Uranium Tailings Impoundment

Based on the discrete phase model (DPM), this paper studies the concentration distribution and settlement regularity of particles which sizes are 10μm and 100μm under the wind speed of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4m/s with the method of numerical simulation. The simulation results show that the particle concentration of 10μm at the downwind direction of tailing is constantly decreasing with the increase of wind speed and migration distance, and the particle concentration of 100μm is gradually increasing, as well as the local pollution also become gradually worse. As wind speed is 0.5m/s, the local concentration of 10μm particles at the beach face of uranium tailings impoundment is higher, and there is much deposition within 2000m of the downwind direction. While the dust emission rate of 100μm is less and its concentration is lower.10μm particles are taken away by the wind, and its concentration would fall rapidly with wind speed increased to 4.0m/s. The concentration of 100μm particle would increase and local pollution becomes more serious.