Fast and Safe Brine Transport in the Salar de Hombre Muerto
Pan American Energy implements an efficient and sustainable solution for brine transportation.
Case Study Nº
171
Customer
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Working Conditions
Pexgol Pipes
Application
Lenght
Categories
The Challenge
Pan American Energy, a leader in oil, gas, and renewable energy exploration and production, faced a logistical challenge during the performance testing phase of its lithium mining project (Lithos) in the Salar de Hombre Muerto, Argentina. The company needed a reliable and flexible transport line for brine transfer between pumping wells, in a demanding salt flat environment.
The project called for a solution capable of withstanding abrasive terrain, enduring constant movement between wells, and ensuring pipeline integrity throughout the process. At the same time, Pan American Energy aimed to reduce operational costs and minimize environmental impact, in line with its sustainability objectives.
The Solution
To meet these challenges, Pan American Energy installed 10 kilometers of 6-inch Pexgol pipes in 450-meter coils. This solution proved ideal due to the following advantages:
- Quick Installation: Each 450-meter coil was deployed in just 15 minutes, significantly reducing installation time and enabling quick movement between wells.
- High Chemical and Abrasion Resistance: Pexgol pipes withstood the abrasive terrain and extreme weather conditions of the Salar de Hombre Muerto, ensuring uninterrupted operation without damage.
- Long Sections: The use of long-length coils minimized the number of joints required, reducing potential failure points and improving pipeline safety.
The operation was highly efficient: each well was tested for a set duration, and afterward, the same pipe was dragged to the next well, eliminating the need for multiple lines. This method allowed Pan American Energy to optimize resources, lower costs, and speed up its testing schedule.
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