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