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Multi-Component Mass Balance Modelling Using GoldSim

This document provides an overview of the GoldSim modeling software, including its applications, modeling environment, contaminant transport module, and result tracking capabilities. It discusses advantages such as its object-based nature, unit preservation, and vector functionality. Limitations include sensitivity to user inputs, potentially unrealistic concentrations, timestep issues, and lack of consideration for geochemical controls. The document concludes that GoldSim is a powerful tool for conservative water quality estimates but results need validation with other software.

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Miguel Ego-Aguirre
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
49 views

Multi-Component Mass Balance Modelling Using GoldSim

This document provides an overview of the GoldSim modeling software, including its applications, modeling environment, contaminant transport module, and result tracking capabilities. It discusses advantages such as its object-based nature, unit preservation, and vector functionality. Limitations include sensitivity to user inputs, potentially unrealistic concentrations, timestep issues, and lack of consideration for geochemical controls. The document concludes that GoldSim is a powerful tool for conservative water quality estimates but results need validation with other software.

Uploaded by

Miguel Ego-Aguirre
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Multi-component Mass Balance

Modelling using GoldSim


Advantages and Limitations

Michael K. Herrell
GVO Office, Canada
Outline

 Introduction to GoldSim
 Applications
 Modelling Environment
 Contaminant Transport Module
 Results Tracking

 Advantages & Disadvantages of the Software


 Conclusions & Questions
Objective

 To provide you with a brief overview of the GoldSim Modelling software


package and to discuss the advantages and limitations of the program
to identify areas that may require additional attention when reviewing
model results.
 Identify common issues I’ve experienced using the software.
 Not intended to be a GoldSim training course.
 Discuss applications and answer questions you may have regarding the
software.
Introduction

 GoldSim is a graphical,
object-oriented
mathematical model where
input parameters are built
as individual objects or
elements linked together
by mathematical
expressions.
 The object-based nature of
the model is designed to
facilitate understanding of
the various factors which
control the performance of
an engineered or natural
system.
Applications

What can be modelled using GoldSim?


 Anything that requires a mathematical expression to predict the
outcome of a system.
 GoldSim can be described as a visual spreadsheet

Common Applications
 Water Balance Modelling
 Water Quality Modelling
 Radionuclide Transport
 Financial Analysis
Modelling Environment

 GoldSim is a top-down modelling tool which allows a user to introduce


model complexity at the component level and relate model components
at the top level.
Modelling Environment
Contaminant Transport Module

 Designed to facilitate mass balance


modelling in GoldSim
 Contains unique modelling elements
(e.g. Mixing Cells, Solution
Definition)
Contaminant Transport Module Cont’d
Result Tracking

 Model simulations can be run deterministically to address the effects of


one precipitation event or stochastically to assess risk and uncertainty
in the model.

Deterministic Stochastic
Advantages

 Facilitates linking of site


facilities within larger multi-
component systems.
 GoldSim preserves units and
provides output in specified
units.
 Will not allow simulation if a
non-sensical function is
entered – allows
mathematical errors to be
quickly identified.
 Calculations can be computed for desired timestep without have to
recreate inputs & elements can be forced to be inactive until specified.
 Input elements and functions have vector functionality reducing the
number of mathematical expressions required.
 Deterministic & stochastic simulation possible
Advantages Cont’d

 Vector functionality
Advantages Cont’d

 Input elements have been designed to assist with input management


(e.g excel elements, look-up tables).
Advantages Cont’d

 Input elements have been designed to assist with input management


(e.g excel elements, look-up tables).
Advantages Cont’d

 Lookups
Limitations
 Sensitivity to user inputs – need to insure parameter inputs are specified for all inputs
otherwise zero input will be carried forward.
 May simulate unrealistic concentrations for mass loading inputs (e.g. Applying loading
rates calculated from kinetic tests)
 Timestep issues (e.g. Linking daily WatBal (date-time simulation) to monthly mass balance
(elapsed time simulation)
 Conservative approach that does not consider geochemical controls (this statement is only
half true)

 Metal solubility not dependent on pH & Eh.


 May not provide an accurate representation of non-conservative parameters (pH, alkalinity,
etc.)
 Results presentation not very sophisticated.
 Black box to non-GoldSim users.
Conclusions

 The GoldSim software modelling package is a powerful tool for


providing conservative estimates of individual mine component and site-
wide water quality.
 Model results need to be validated with other software (e.g. Phreeqc) or
external calculation checks (e.g. Excel)

Questions?

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