SMOOTH OPERATOR

THE SAME ULTRA-SMOOTH MATERIAL THAT HELPS ARTIFICIAL JOINTS MOVE FREELY IS NOW SOLVING ONE OF MINING'S MOST PERSISTENT HEADACHES.

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Weir's advanced pipeline solution Arterra is an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), material proven in medical implants and marine applications that dramatically extends pipeline life in some of Australia's harshest environments.

With more than 15 operational installations across the country and around the globe, some stretching up to 20km, the technology is demonstrating that materials engineered for barnacle-resistant fenders and friction-free knee replacements can deliver results when pumping abrasive mine tailings.

Weir's pipeline solutions manager in Australia Tatum Hall said the technology delivers significantly lower operating costs.

"The surface smoothness of this material offers friction benefits that translate directly to reduced power requirements and extended service life," she said. "We're seeing significant yearly savings at sites that make the switch."

Fighting extreme wear

The reality of pipeline failure hit home at an iron ore operation in South Australia a few years ago. The site was using conventional high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipelines, which were wearing through in 3-4 weeks. The culprit wasn't corrosion - it was physics.

"They had some slack flow portions of the pipeline. Because of the steep slope, the material was moving faster than it was being pumped; we're talking up to 12m per second, which is incredibly fast for pipeline operations," Hall said.

"When you're pushing particles at that velocity through a pipe filled with high-density solids, the wear is relentless."