Pexgol: Significant Pipe Wall Scale Reduction
The mine was facing scaling issues with their existing HDPE pipes, which required replacement every two weeks. The introduction of Pexgol pipes drastically reduced scaling.
Case Study Nº
137
Customer
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Working Conditions
Pexgol Pipes
Application
Lenght
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Introduction
A prominent copper mine in Arizona that uses an in-situ copper ore recovery process, experienced scaling issues in the existing HDPE (PE 4710) piping deployed in the rinse cycle phase of ore extraction.
Scaling in the HDPE pipes caused clogging and despite the use of scale inhibitors and cleaning, some pipes were still being replaced too frequently.
The Problem
Increased operational maintenance and reduced efficiency of the HDPE pipes
created the need for a more efficient, long-term solution.
Pexgol Solution
Pexgol was proposed as the solution for reduced scaling.
A controlled pilot study was commissioned by the mine to compare gypsum slurry pumped through Pexgol vs HDPE (PE 4710) for a period of 4 weeks.
Various flow velocities, pressures and ambient temperatures were monitored and compared after 2 and 4 weeks.
Results
The Pexgol pipes showed almost no scaling compared with the scaled HDPE pipes after 2 and 4 weeks.
It was recommended that Pexgol replace HDPE at the rinse cycle phase of ore extraction of the mine.
Conclusion
Pexgol pipes are a viable solution for similar slurry applications.
