Advanced piping solutions for handlingscaling fluids

Successful outcome in pilot test for SCT Discharge Line with Pexgol.

Case Study Nº

157 Customer

Barrick Gold

Dominican Republic

2023

Working Conditions

Temperature: 65°C / 149°F | Flow: 250 m³/h | Pressure: 7 bar

Pexgol Pipes

Pexgol 315 mm, Class 12

Application

SCT discharge line in cooling towers

Lenght

35 m / 114 ft

The Challenge

Barrick Gold Corporation, at its Pueblo Viejo mining unit, faced a significant challenge in its operation. The company was using 12” SCH 40 carbon steel pipes for the transportation of slurry with lime sludge in its SCT discharge line at the cooling towers. This method presented several problems, primarily due to its chemical composition, the fluid was highly scaling. The scale reduced the inner diameter of the pipes by 30% to 40% over an approximate three-month period, severely affecting performance and increasing the energy consumption of the pumping system. Additionally, maintenance required dismantling the lines, cleaning them with high-pressure equipment, and a team of 10 operators for about two weeks, resulting in high operational and maintenance costs.

The Solution

In search of an innovative solution, Barrick Pueblo Viejo opted to implement 315 mm Class 12 Pexgol pipes, with a length of 35 meters for a pilot test. Pexgol piping, known for its high resistance to abrasion, corrosion, and scaling, was presented as the alternative for this challenging environment. Three-meter sections of the pipe were flown in, and connections were made using electrofusion couplings and flanged couplings for integration into the existing system through flanged joints.

The installation was completed in approximately one day, including the training of staff for field welding. This rapid installation minimized interruptions in the operations of Barrick Pueblo Viejo, allowing for a smooth transition to the new piping system.

Since the implementation of Pexgol, scaling has significantly decreased. The pipes have been operating for 9 months without signs of scaling, resulting in a significant reduction in operational and maintenance costs. The total changeover of the existing line can generate savings of 200,000 USD per year in maintenance.