Why PE? New Look at PE Pipe Systems for Mining

Why PE?
New Look at PE Pipe Systems for Mining
Why PE?
Polyethylene (PE) piping can bring considerable benefits
to the mining industry by providing a new perspective
on effective water management.
PE piping is not new to the African market in
general, but there has been some scepticism about
the reliability of PE systems in an environment as
challenging as mining. In truth, not only is PE material
inherently suitable for a wide range of applications,
but well-engineered PE pipework systems can meet
most of the challenges and deliver a number of
benefits including:
Reliability
• Corrosion proof, break resistant, secure and environmentally friendly
• Leak free joints using electro fusion or butt-welding installation
Resistance
• Able to cope with dilute PH acids and high caustic solutions – ideal
for harsh environments
• Operating in extreme temperatures from -40ºC to +60ºC
• Resistant to radioactivity of up to 104 Gray
• Naturally non-conductive – resistant to electrolytic corrosion
• Physiologically non-toxic – suitable for supply of drinking water
Flexibility
• Flexible to expand with internal pressure surges reducing
maintenance costs and assisting longevity of the pipeline
• F lexible to cope with normal ground settlement
after installation
Smooth Bore
• Low friction and resistance to blockages due to smooth
internal surfaces
Ease of Installation
• Lightweight for ease of installation – Drainage gravity systems
are available with push-fit joints
Low Maintenance Cost
• Long term cost advantages
PE in mining applications
PE pipe systems are both chemical
and corrosion resistant, so perform
well, when handling the most
aggressive materials from abrasive
slurries to corrosive acids, bases
and salts. This characteristic makes
them suitable for use not only for
distributing water around mining
processes, supplying water to mines
and recovering it, but also in tailings
pipelines, mineral extraction and
treatment applications. PE pipe
systems are also ideal for the supply
of potable water to a mine, as it is
physiologically non-toxic and more
resistant to galvanic corrosion than
more traditional materials like steel
pipes, which can be badly damaged.
Plastic pipes are also far lighter in
weight than alternative materials,
making the transportation and
installation process less costly
and far easier without the need
of using heavy lifting equipment
for installation – especially within
mine shafts where water pipes are
frequently ceiling-mounted.
PE pipe systems are also resistant to
thermal shock and will stand up to the
harshest of environmental conditions,
operating between -40°C and +60°C.
They have inherent strength and
impact resistance, but are flexible
enough to cope with normal ground
settlement after installation. Due to
the extremely smooth bore, they are
less likely to block. If large volumes of
liquid are being transported, there is
very low friction, meaning less drag
or turbulence at high flow rates and
greater resistance to scaling than water
absorbent materials, which means they
are more easily maintained.
PE is naturally non-conductive and can
resist electrolytic corrosion. However,
precautions should be taken to avoid
static discharge should any part of
a PE piping system pass through an
area where explosive gases may be
present. Due to these qualities and PE’s
resistance to radioactivity - PE remains
unaffected by regular exposure to a
radiation dose of up to 104 Gray - the
material is frequently specified for
drainage and water cooling systems
within nuclear power plants.
PE and the environment
According to the CDP’s recent metals
and mining research*, water poses
a significant constraint to growth and
threatens the future value of companies
in the mining sector. Detrimental
impacts are already being felt and over
90% of respondents report exposure
to substantive water risks that have
potential to impact their business now
or within 5 years.
The top three risks identified by
responding companies were increased
water stress, flooding, and declining
water quality. Therefore, modern mine
operators have to factor sustainability to
mitigate and adapt to fast growing water
needs into their development strategies,
which can not only influence the mining
operations themselves, but also the
choice of materials for infrastructure
work. PE has the advantage of excellent
environmental credentials. In fact,
plastics, which feature amongst the
most researched materials in the world,
have become an integral part
of sustainable developments. With
ongoing technological innovation,
they have become thinner, lighter and
more robust than most rigid materials.
Leakage is a key consideration in
pipework systems especially in water
stressed industries, such as mining,
very often operating in areas, where
water is in short supply. Plastic pipes are
supplied in 6m or 12m lengths, whereas
concrete pipes are usually supplied
in 1m or 3m lengths, so using plastic
means that fewer joints are required
along the pipeline, which not only
speeds installation, but also minimises
potential leakage points, conserving
water. PE pipes and fittings can be
jointed using electro-fusion or buttwelding techniques to form
a continuous homogenous pipeline
which affords no chance of leakage.
*Source: CDP “Metals & Mining: a sector under water pressure. Analysis for institutional investors of critical issues facing the industry”, July 2013
Polypipe and PE
Polypipe is a global organisation with
a British manufacturing operation
recognised for delivering technical
excellence. Its gravity and pressure
PE systems can be used in some of
the toughest mining environments
in applications such as recirculation
pipelines for heap leaching operations,
solution mining, process slurry pipelines
and process water, as well as for
compressed air.
The credentials of PE as a material are
well established and its qualities offer
advantages over PVC, ductile, concrete
or clay. Where Polypipe adds value is
through the ability to customize its plastic
solutions, project support, as well as
through meeting the most challenging
supply demands. Polypipe’s worldclass manufacturing capability delivers
pipework systems designed to perform
to a consistently high standard.
Every product made is governed by
stringent British and international
standards to ensure Polypipe systems,
including PE, are fit for purpose and
capable of being easily assembled and
installed to ensure that the performance
of the system is never compromised.
Additionally, Polypipe is able to use a
high percentage of recycled material in its
production and, ultimately, its products are
able to be recycled. Because of the light
weight of PE, the carbon footprint from
transportation is considerably smaller and
consignments can be maximised, meaning
that considerably more meterage can be
loaded into one shipping container. In fact,
in terms of total life cycle, it has been said
that plastics can be considered as one of
the most energy-efficient materials.
Summary
With PE systems, Polypipe believes it
can deliver high quality, reliable and
sustainable solutions for a wide range of
applications, both in distributing water
around the mining processes and in the
associated infrastructure developments.
To give a further insight into the qualities
of its products for the mining industry,
Polypipe has recently launched a website
dedicated to the industry. To find out
more, visit www.polypipe.com/mining