Skip to content

Optimization of Lithium Brine Transportation

Moving from PVC to Pexgol: Ensuring Efficiency in Lithium Production

Case Study Nº

143

Customer

Puna Mining
Argentina

|

2022

Working Conditions

Flow: 77m³/h | Pressure: 60 psi

Pexgol Pipes

Pexgol 2”, 5” & 6”, class 15

Application

Transport of raw brine

Lenght

2 km

Categories

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

Related Case Studies

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
Горячий сильвинитовый насыщенный рассол с температурой 114 °C (237 °F)

Переработка минерального сырья — установка по переработке углекислого калия

ICL group, работы на Мертвом море
Израиль

 | 

1987
Replacing HDPE pipes with Pexgol allowed Vale to simplify operations, eliminate auxiliary equipment, and achieve a permanent installation under extreme conditions.

Comprehensive Redesign of the PumpingSystem with Pexgol at the Sossego Mine

Vale
Brazil

 | 

2024
Improving drainage in the Media Luna mine with Pexgol.

Overcoming Geotechnical Challenges with Pexgol at Media Luna

Minera Media Luna
Mexico

 | 

2023
In an engineering challenge, the Pexgol 225 mm (8”) Class 15 pipe proved to be the perfect solution for transporting tailings at the Mina Capela mining complex.

Environmental Protection and Efficiency in Tailings Management

Mina Capella - Grupo Peñoles
Mexico

 | 

2023
Pexgol helped Profertil to overcome the corrosion challenge in its fire protection network.

From carbon steel to Pexgol: A victory against corrosion

Profertil
Argentina

 | 

2021