Syncrude & Pexgol: A Collaboration Set to Reshape Slurry Transport

Bridging the Gap between Durability and Functionality in Harsh Processing Environments.

Case Study Nº

148 Customer

Syncrude

Canada

2022

Working Conditions

Temperature: 82°C / 179°F | Pressure: 50 psi | Components of the fluid: Water, sand, bitumen, high oxygen content

Pexgol Pipes

Pexgol 280 mm, class 15

Application

Transport of high temperature slurry

Lenght

10 m / 32 ft

The Challenge

Syncrude Canada Ltd, a leader in the synthetic crude oil industry, faces a unique challenge in its production process. The extraction of raw oil called bitumen from oil sands is an intensive operation involving the transport of high-temperature slurry, which comprises water, sand, bitumen, and high oxygen content. Their existing pipeline, made from Schedule 80 carbon steel, was proving insufficient. This line was failing prematurely – in as little as 6 months, especially in high wear areas such as elbows and horizontal runs. The principal culprits were the the combination of the erosion and the corrosion from the high oxygen content that created the unique conditions accelerating the failure time for the carbon steel.

Pexgol Solution

Pexgol, renowned for its high-grade PE-X piping systems, introduced its 280 mm, class 15 pipe to serve Syncrude’s rigorous requirements. The 10-meter pipeline was strategically designed to transport the high-temperature slurry under conditions of 82°C (179.6°F) and a pressure of 50 psi. The benefits of the Pexgol piping system — fast installation, high resistance to chemicals & corrosion, and exceptional durability — emerged as game-changers. With the added advantage of GP Flange Couplers and Pexgol Elbow fittings, the solution not only outlasted its carbon steel predecessor but also ensured a smoother, more efficient production process.