Skip to content

Optimization of Lithium Brine Transportation

Moving from PVC to Pexgol: Ensuring Efficiency in Lithium Production

Estudo de Caso Nº

143

Cliente

Puna Mining
Argentina

|

2022

Condições de Trabalho

Flow: 77m³/h | Pressure: 60 psi

Solução Pexgol

Pexgol 2”, 5” & 6”, class 15

Aplicação

Transport of raw brine

Comprimento

2 km

Categorias

Optimization of Lithium Brine Transportation

The Challenge

Puna Mining S.A., a pioneer in high-quality battery-grade lithium carbonate production (99.5% purity) in Argentina, faced operational challenges with its brine transportation system. Founded in 2017 by Pablo Alurralde and later forming a joint venture with Argosy Minerals Ltd., the company was committed to utilizing cutting-edge technology in its production processes. However, their existing PVC piping presented significant limitations, requiring constant maintenance, frequent pipe replacements, and struggling with ongoing crystallization issues, which directly affected efficiency and increased operational costs.

Pexgol Solution

Pexgol stepped in with a tailored solution to address Puna Mining’s challenges.
The introduction of Pexgol pipes of 6, 2, and 5 inches over a 2-kilometer stretch was designed to meet the specific demands of raw brine transportation.
The complete installation was accomplished in just three days, highlighting the ease and efficiency of Pexgol pipes.
ArgPex provided on-site training to ensure a smooth and optimized installation process.

Benefits of Switching to Pexgol
By adopting Pexgol pipes, the following advantages were realized:

  • Rapid installation
  • High chemical and corrosion resistance
  • Material flexibility
  • Long lifespan
  • Reduced thermal conductivity
  • Lightweight pipes
  • Availability in long rolls for easier handling and installation

Estudos de Caso Relacionados

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
Replacement of HDPE Pipe for Pexgol

Slurry Transportation

Tizapa Mine
Mexico

 | 

2015
The innovative solution from Pexgol for Anglo American Peru’s piping challenges.

Navigating extreme conditions with Pexgol’s PE-X pipes

Anglo American Perú
Peru

 | 

2023
Installation Oof Pexgol Pipes through a Chimney for Compressed Air.

Transport of Compressed Air for Underground Mine

HMC Gold
Chile

 | 

2021
Replacement of a HDPE Pipe for a Pexgol Pipe

Compressed Air Transportation

Saucito S.A. de C.V. Mine
Mexico

 | 

2017
Installation of Pexgol Pipes in a Fish Processing Plant.

Fish Oil Transport at 36°C / 96.8°F

Guaymas Protein Company
Mexico

 | 

2018