Mineral Processing Corrosive Liquid & Vapor

Transportation of mixed liquid and corrosive vapor (H2S) from the dehumidifiers

Case Study Nº

11 Customer

Moa Nickel S.A. Sherritt

Cuba

2011

Working Conditions

High corrosive liquid operating at 95°C/203°F.

Pexgol Pipes

Pexgol 280 mm Class 10.

Application

Dehumidifier water line.

Lenght

800 meters.

The Challenge

Cuba’s nickel reserves are among the largest in the world largest exports, making it essential to provide reliable and durable pipelines for the transportation of its minerals. Unfortunately, the high percentage of hydrogen sulfide in the hot water from the dehumidifiers over an extended period of time lends itself to high levels of corrosion and functional deterioration. Problems occurred from the beginning in previous installations, forcing work halts.

Before turning to Pexgol, our client tried an alternative piping solution without success: Carbon steel rubber lined (CSRL) – which proved to be damaged by weather conditions as well as suffer from extensive problems of corrosion around the welds due to lack of rubber. Such high levels of corrosion can also lead to a potential reduction of hydraulic capacity.

Pexgol Solution

A Pexgol 280 mm class 10 pipe with electrofusion couplers surrounded by steel reinforcements was installed, enabling durability under very high temperatures.

Several months since the installation of Pexgol, the system operates without any problems, it resulted more cost-effective per meter and had lower installation costs. As a result of the new installation, the line hydraulic capacity increased beyond the maximum expected values by the operations managers.