Skip to content

Syncrude & Pexgol: A Collaboration Set to Reshape Slurry Transport

Bridging the Gap between Durability and Functionality in Harsh Processing Environments.

Case Study Nº

148

Customer

Syncrude
Canada

|

2022

Working Conditions

Temperature: 82°C / 179°F | Pressure: 50 psi | Components of the fluid: Water, sand, bitumen, high oxygen content

Pexgol Pipes

Pexgol 280 mm, class 15

Application

Transport of high temperature slurry

Lenght

10 m / 32 ft

Categories

Syncrude & Pexgol: A Collaboration Set to Reshape Slurry Transport

The Challenge

Syncrude Canada Ltd, a leader in the synthetic crude oil industry, faces a unique challenge in its production process. The extraction of raw oil called bitumen from oil sands is an intensive operation involving the transport of high-temperature slurry, which comprises water, sand, bitumen, and high oxygen content. Their existing pipeline, made from Schedule 80 carbon steel, was proving insufficient. This line was failing prematurely – in as little as 6 months, especially in high wear areas such as elbows and horizontal runs. The principal culprits were the the combination of the erosion and the corrosion from the high oxygen content that created the unique conditions accelerating the failure time for the carbon steel.

Pexgol Solution

Pexgol, renowned for its high-grade PE-X piping systems, introduced its 280 mm, class 15 pipe to serve Syncrude’s rigorous requirements. The 10-meter pipeline was strategically designed to transport the high-temperature slurry under conditions of 82°C (179.6°F) and a pressure of 50 psi. The benefits of the Pexgol piping system – fast installation, high resistance to chemicals & corrosion, and exceptional durability – emerged as game-changers. With the added advantage of GP Flange Couplers and Pexgol Elbow fittings, the solution not only outlasted its carbon steel predecessor but also ensured a smoother, more efficient production process.

Related Case Studies

Improving drainage in the Media Luna mine with Pexgol.

Overcoming Geotechnical Challenges with Pexgol at Media Luna

Minera Media Luna
Mexico

 | 

2023
Transportation of Phosphoric acid in a potassium nitrate plant

Transportation of Phosphoric Acid

Haifa Chemicals
Israel

 | 

1995
Acid liquor line with high levels of abrasion and sedimentation

Abrasive Liquid Transportation

Moa Nickel S.A. Sherritt
Cuba

 | 

2014
Installation of Pexgol pipes for the transport of formation water (gas and minerals)

Gas Wells: Formation Water Treatment

Canacol
Colombia

 | 

2018
A high-precision maneuver enabled the complete assembly of the system in record time, ensuring safety and operational continuity.

Pexgol Overcomes Extreme Dewatering Conditions in La Ciénega

Fresnillo Plc.
Mexico

 | 

2025
Hot Caustic Line Replacement in Paper Mill

Pulp & Paper Mill

Svetlogorskiy Mill
Russia

 | 

2015