Skip to content

A Flexible Solution for Formation Water UnderDemanding Conditions

A solution designed to operate safely and reliably under high temperatures and demanding installation conditions.

Estudo de Caso Nº

194

Cliente

Pluspetrol
Argentina

|

2026

Condições de Trabalho

Operating temperature: 72.5°C / 162.5 °F | Operating pressure: 9 bar | Flow rate: 1,000 m³/day | Fluid: Water with hydrocarbons (<2%)

Solução Pexgol

Pexgol 160 mm, Class 24

Aplicação

Formation Water Transport

Comprimento

1.050 m / 3444 ft

Categorias

A Flexible Solution for Formation Water Under Demanding Conditions

The Challenge

In 2026, Pluspetrol needed to develop a new pipeline for the transport of formation water at its La Calera process plant in Argentina. The application required transporting 1,000 m³/day of water with less than 2% hydrocarbons, operating at a temperature of 72.5°C and a pressure of 9 bar.

The project conditions represented a significant challenge. On one hand, the construction complexity of the terrain required a pipe capable of easily adapting to the topography and simplifying installation tasks. On the other hand, the high operating temperatures required a robust solution that could ensure continuous and reliable long-term performance.

In addition, the project had to be executed within a very tight schedule, while maintaining high safety and quality standards throughout the entire installation process.

The Solution

To meet these requirements, Pluspetrol selected a 1,050-meter pipeline of 160 mm Class 24 Pexgol PE-Xa pipe, especially suitable for high-temperature formation water applications.

The combination of the material’s inherent flexibility with its excellent thermal and chemical resistance enabled an efficient installation, even in areas with construction restrictions. The system was complemented with Victaulic Style 905 double mechanical connectors, providing a safe and reliable joint for the project’s operating conditions.

Among the main benefits valued by the client were the fast installation, ease of handling due to the pipe’s low weight, the possibility of using long sections and transporting the pipe in coils, as well as the material’s flexibility and long service life. These characteristics helped reduce installation time, simplify on-site maneuvers, and ensure reliable operation under demanding temperature conditions and the presence of hydrocarbons.

Estudos de Caso Relacionados

Replacement of a Drainage Line in an Underground Mine.

Drainage in Underground Mine

Atacama Kozan
Chile

 | 

2019
Pexgol Pipe Installation for Open Pit Mine Drainage.

Efficient Open Pit Mine Drainage

BHP Escondida Mine
Chile

 | 

2022
Transport of acid water at high temperatures

Water Transport with Low pH Level

Moa Nickel S.A. Sherritt
Cuba

 | 

2010
Dewatering without Supports

Open Cast Mine Dewatering

El Volcan Mine Arcelor Mittal
Mexico

 | 

2017
Pexgol’s proposal was clear - to provide a pipe that showcased superior wear resistance, estimated to be three times more durable than HDPE.

Transforming Tailings Transport: The Pexgol Advantage

Lundin Mining
Chile

 | 

2021
Transport of high corrosive material from the thickeners to the neutralization plant

Corrosive Material Transportation

Moa Nickel S.A. Sherritt
Cuba

 | 

2015