Skip to content

Mineral Processing – Brine Transportation

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

Estudo de Caso Nº

8

Cliente

SQM,Pedro Valvidia Mine
Chile

|

2010

Condições de Trabalho

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.

Solução Pexgol

Pexgol and elbows 160×14.6, Class 15.

Aplicação

Brine and acid transportation.

Comprimento

12 meters.

Categorias

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.

Estudos de Caso Relacionados

Pan American Energy implements an efficient and sustainable solution for brine transportation.

Fast and Safe Brine Transport in the Salar de Hombre Muerto

Lithos (PAE)
Argentina

 | 

2024
600 Meters Installed in a Day: Pexgol Delivers for Kiewit in Power Project.

Pexgol Ensures Water Supply at Mexican Combined-Cycle Power Plant

Kimex
Mexico

 | 

2025
A 225 mm Pexgol pipeline designed for abrasive slurry containing 35% NaCl and KCl solids.

Pexgol Replaces Short-Lived HDPE in Coarse Tailings Service

Potash Mine
Canada

 | 

2026
Installation of Pexgol Pipe to Transport Fiber Optic Cables.

Fiber Optic Cables Through a Vertical Shaft

Sinohydro
Israel

 | 

2021
Transformation in the logistics of formation water.

Aconcagua Energía Implements Pexgol Solutions for Efficiency and Savings

Aconcagua Energía
Argentina

 | 

2023
Trial Demonstrates Superior Wear Resistance in Sea Water + Ash Slurry Conditions.

Unmatched Durability in Harsh Slurry: Pexgol Outperforms Steel

Tata Power
India

 | 

2023