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Pexgol Ensures Reliable Operation in High- Demand Hydraulic Systems

Flexible installation, fast deployment and long service life for a mining project with over 300 m of elevation difference

Estudo de Caso Nº

187

Cliente

Endeavour Silver
Mexico

|

2024

Condições de Trabalho

Temperature: Ambient (pipeline exposed to direct sunlight) | Flow Rates: 1.4 m³/h – Tailings (6” SDR 7.3) 107 m³/h – Recovered water (8” SDR 4.5) 5.5 m³/h – Concentrate (50 mm SDR 11) | Pressure: 24 bar static pressure – Tailings line 32.3 bar – Recovered water line Free discharge – Remaining lines

Solução Pexgol

Pexgol 2”, 3”, 4”, 6” y 8”

Aplicação

Tailings (50% solids) | Concentrate | Recovered water (ascending pumped line) | Raw water | Potable water | Fire protection system water

Comprimento

4 lines of 2,400 m each 1 line of 3,300 m

Categorias

Pexgol Ensures Reliable Operation in High- Demand Hydraulic Systems

The Challenge

Endeavour Silver’s Terronera Mine required the design and implementation of a completely new hydraulic system, as no existing infrastructure was available on site. The project involved transporting fluids over an elevation difference exceeding 300 meters, generating high velocities and varying pressure levels along the route. These demanding hydraulic conditions posed significant operational risks, including:

  • Increased abrasion and wear
  • Vibrations within the piping system
  • Higher probability of premature failures
  • Construction challenges across steep slopes and uneven terrain

Additionally, the recovered water line operated in an ascending configuration using pumping systems, while the remaining lines functioned by gravity. This required a versatile piping solution capable of adapting to different operating regimes while maintaining long-term reliability.

The Solution

To meet the project’s technical requirements, a Pexgol piping system was selected due to its unique combination of mechanical strength, hydraulic efficiency, and installation flexibility.
The solution successfully addressed the complex routing conditions and demanding operating parameters.
Key Advantages of the Pexgol System:

  • Fast installation, reducing construction time
  • Flexible and lightweight pipes, ideal for complex topography
  • Supplied in long coils, minimizing joints and potential failure points
  • Excellent abrasion resistance for tailings and concentrate transport
  • High pressure resistance for static pressures exceeding 30 bar
  • UV resistance for exposed installations
  • Long service life in demanding mining environments

During execution, design modifications were required as the project progressed into more challenging construction stages. The inherent flexibility of the Pexgol system, combined with technical support from the engineering team, allowed efficient adaptation to new field conditions.
Results Achieved:

  • Continuity of installation activities
  • Reduced construction risks
  • Optimal compatibility between material performance and real operating conditions
  • Compliance with performance, safety and reliability criteria

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