Skip to content

Mineral Processing – Brine Transportation

Reduction of material build-up in brine and brine/acid lines

Case Study Nº

8

Customer

SQM,Pedro Valvidia Mine
Chile

|

2010

Working Conditions

Ambient temperature -5°C to 0°C (32°F to 23°F). High level of material build-up and corrosion inside the pipe. Working pressure: 15 bar.

Pexgol Pipes

Pexgol and elbows 160×14.6, Class 15.

Application

Brine and acid transportation.

Lenght

12 meters.

Categories

Mineral Processing - Brine Transportation

The Challenge

As the brine water and acid solution was being transported by the initial HDPE pipeline, salts were sticking to the pipe walls, reducing the inner diameter. Due to the low ambient temperatures, deposits of calcium sulfate formed on the inner wall of the pipes and on the elbows.

The matter was critical since the problem forced complete halting of work at the plant as well as lot of maintenance and reduction of production capacity.

Pexgol Solution

SQM decided to replace its HDPE pipes and elbows with Pexgol’s. Due to the especially smooth internal surface of Pexgol’s pipes and elbows, the replacement of HDPE pipes with Pexgol eliminated the problem of chemical deposits. This resulted in fewer work interruptions and improved production capacity.

The production and transportation of Pexgol’s pipes in coils also reduces the number of joints and possibility of clogging. As a result, it reduced maintenance costs and brought the end of frequent forced halts in the work processes at the plant.

The original mean time between failures (MTBF) of the HDPE pipes was one month. Since changing to Pexgol in 2010, no sign of failure has been detected.

Related Case Studies

Pipe installation on a mountain

Meltdown Water Transport

Codelco Andina, TADA 1-2 Project
Chile

 | 

2013
Explore how Pexgol pipe replacement addressed the corrosion issue in Gordon Pool’s saltwater delivery system, ensuring efficient operation.

From Steel to Pexgol: A Plumbing Upgrade for Tel Aviv’s Gordon Pool

Gordon Pool
Israel

 | 

2023
Reduced wear and increased durability in the sand cleaning process at KSB de México.

Improving efficiency in steel foundry with Pexgol

KSB de Mexico
Mexico

 | 

2023
The Original Design for a Wastewater Treatment Plant included Stainless Steel Pipes, but after discovering the Superior Capabilities of Pexgol Pipes, the Entire Facility was Switched Over.

New Wastewater Treatment Plant with Pexgol Pipes

Wastewater Treatment Plant
Israel

 | 

2022
Pexgol pipe was selected for the assembly of a muddy water transport line for a palm oil processing company.

Transport of Muddy Water for Palm Oil Extractor

Extractora Poligrow
Colombia

 | 

2022
Water transportation with sulfide and cobalt particles

Water and Sulfide Transportation

Moa Nickel S.A. Sherritt
Cuba

 | 

2015