Skip to content

Improving efficiency in steel foundry with Pexgol

Reduced wear and increased durability in the sand cleaning process at KSB de México.

Case Study Nº

124

Customer

KSB de Mexico
Mexico

|

2023

Working Conditions

Temperature: 45°C / 113°F | Pressure: 8 bar

Pexgol Pipes

Pexgol 60 mm (3″), SDR 11

Application

Silica sand pneumatic conveying

Lenght

6 m / 19 ft

Categories

Improving efficiency in steel foundry with Pexgol

The Challenge

KSB de México, part of the KSB Group, a world leader in the supply of pumps, valves, and service, faced a significant problem in their steel casting process. The silica sand used in their molds required a cleaning and conditioning process, being conveyed through pipes from the end of the production line to the filtering system and, finally, to the clean sand hopper.

The main challenge was the wear caused by the sand passing through the piping, especially at the steel elbows, which had a lifespan of only two weeks. Repair or replacement of these components required stopping the filtering line, which affected the efficiency and productivity of the plant. The previously used piping was 3-inch schedule 80 steel piping.

Pexgol Solution

The solution proposed by Pexgol was to implement their PE-X piping instead of the steel piping. The Pexgol piping has a higher abrasion resistance under similar operating conditions to that of steel piping, resulting in a longer lifespan. Additionally, its flexibility and natural bending radius allowed for a smoother path, reducing the load on the system and further increasing its durability compared to steel elbows.

The installation of the Pexgol piping was straightforward and only required two people, without the need for specialized tools or machinery. The GP flanged coupling used in the process is compatible with ANSI 150 flanges, avoiding the need to modify existing connections. Additionally, a load clamp was used at the hopper junction to prevent tube movement during pressure pulses caused by sand transport in the system.

Under the new piping’s working conditions, with a maximum temperature of 45°C and a maximum pressure of 8 Bar, 7 tonnes of sand were transported efficiently and without premature wear on the components.

In conclusion, the implementation of Pexgol piping in KSB Mexico’s facilities provided an efficient, durable, and cost-effective solution, improving the casting process operation and eliminating the need to stop the filtering line for frequent repairs or replacements.

Related Case Studies

Installation of a Pexgol Pipe on top of a Steel Outdated Pipe

Carriage of Chemicals at Sea Port

Ashdod Sea Port
Israel

 | 

2016
Installation of Pexgol Pipe for Transportation of Mining Tailings.

Tailings Transport with 50% solids

Golden Resource Corp. – Don David Gold Mine
Mexico

 | 

2019
Transformation in the logistics of formation water.

Aconcagua Energía Implements Pexgol Solutions for Efficiency and Savings

Aconcagua Energía
Argentina

 | 

2023
Installation of Buried Pipes to Transport Water on a Mining Road.

Water Transportation on a Mining Road

CODELCO – Andina Mine
Chile

 | 

2019
Replacement of Carbon Steel Pipe for a Pexgol Pipe

Water Transportation

Cargill
Mexico

 | 

2017
Improving drainage in the Media Luna mine with Pexgol.

Overcoming Geotechnical Challenges with Pexgol at Media Luna

Minera Media Luna
Mexico

 | 

2023