Biodiesel Transport

Biodiesel Transport through the Colombian Jungle

Case Study Nº

56 Customer

Indupalma (Oro Rojo Plant)

Colombia

2012

Working Conditions

Temperature: Fluid at 95°C Pressure: 10 bar

Pexgol Pipes

Pexgol 160 mm (6”), Class 24

Application

Biodiesel Transport

Lenght

450 m

The Challenge

Indupalma is a company that produces palm oil and its derivatives. One of the most common uses of palm oil is for the production of biodiesel. Initially, Indupalma used asbestos pipes for transporting biodiesel, which were later replaced by CPCV SCH 80 pipes. Neither of these materials was resistant to abrasion and the high temperatures of the fluid. Moreover, due to the jungle terrain (where there are constant rains and landslides), these pipes often broke completely due to the movement of rocks and trees. This situation caused losses for the company, not only due to production stoppages and the constant need to replace the pipes, but also because of spills that had environmental consequences.

The Solution

After witnessing the poor performance of these pipe materials, Indupalma decided to look for a new pipe material that could withstand impact, chemical resistance, and high temperatures to transport the fluid. They ultimately chose Pexgol pipes, which met all these requirements.