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Effective solutions for slurries in piping systems in a corrosive environment

Company: Hatch Associates Consultants, Inc.

Major(s):
Primary: ME
Secondary: MATSE

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

A mineral processing facility requires the design of piping systems associated with two 600 HP cyclone feed pumps located downstream of a SAG mill. The scope includes approximately 100 ft of 18-inch cyclone feed slurry piping with pump changeover isolation valves, 100 ft of 20-inch process water piping with isolation and control valves, and 300 ft of 6-inch and smaller gland water and utility piping. The process water is recirculated throughout the plant and contains approximately 1,500 mg/L chlorides and trace hydrocarbon flotation reagents. Operating temperatures range from 80°F to 140°F. The process water is also the carrier fluid for the cyclone feed slurry; therefore, the slurry piping and valves are exposed to both abrasive wear from solids and corrosive attack from the circulating process water. Students shall evaluate and recommend pipe materials, fitting types, valve types, materials of construction, linings/coatings, and end connections for each service. Multiple alternatives shall be compared considering abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, availability, delivery time, constructability, maintenance requirements, and lifecycle cost. The final recommendation should provide a practical and defensible design basis that maximizes plant availability while maintaining an appropriate balance between performance, maintainability, and cost.