The biggest challenges with lined equipment is predicting when liner failure is imminent but not yet breached leading to through wall failure, LOPC, downtime and extensive repairs and cost.
Things to consider when determining strategy are:
- Is a liner breach acceptable if process fluid is still contained by the piping?
- What is the corrosion or wear rate?
- Is there enough time to react once liner breach is detected?
- Is there a risk of product contamination?
Here are some of my insights to your questions:
- Have you used any non-invasive inspection methods (e.g., acoustic monitoring, UT through liner, smart pigs)?- lots of challenges with some of NDT technologies, can they work? It depends on what is acceptable per my questions above. I have seen AE, spark testing, and radiography work. For radiography, fluid and liner density plays a big role in detecting liner failure, blistering, bulging, etc. For spark testing, make sure voltage is set correctly so liner damage risk due to high voltage is reduced. A good competent inspection company can help you determine which techniques will work and are acceptable to you.
- Did you develop your strategy from failure modes (FMEA/RCA) or condition-based approaches?- from past failures and industry knowledge. My problem is still not yet solved as product contamination due to liner breach is not acceptable so my challenge in the chemical space is not solved with today's technology. Really looking to learn from others here!
As mentioned before API 570 and 574 are great resources and I recommend starting there.
An overall comment: what works for piping may not work for lined equipment as equipment bypass or redundancy are not possible or is nonexistent or inspection cost becomes cost prohibitive.
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Savio Camara
Manager β Corporate Reliability Program
Chemtrade Logistics Inc
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-01-2025 09:33 AM
From: Bruce Hawkins
Subject: Slurry Pipeline Maintenance
Recommend you review API 570. Although it does not specifically deal with slurry pipelines, it does discuss how to define thickness monitoring locations (TML) for piping systems based on the likelihood of wear/erosion/corrosion at that point. If the slurry is conductive, you may also consider inserting a sensor at one of those high risk points to inform you when the wear limit is getting close. Hope this helps.
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Bruce Hawkins, CMRP, CAMA
cu77tiger55@yahoo.com
Original Message:
Sent: 06-10-2025 01:08 PM
From: Lesiba Moja
Subject: Slurry Pipeline Maintenance
π§ Slurry Pipeline Maintenance Strategies β Looking for Technical Insights π
I'm currently reviewing and refining our maintenance strategy a slurry pipelines lined with HDPE - and would appreciate input from others who've tackled similar challenges These systems are tough at handling abrasive materials while relying on the integrity of HDPE liners to minimize internal wear. We're working through:
1. Predicting liner wear and failure points
2. Inspection strategies without removing liners
3. Monitoring differential pressure or flow anomalies as indicators of liner breach
4. Optimizing replacement intervals and shutdown planning
π§ For those with field or engineering experience #CleverGuys:
1. What data sources have you found most useful in tracking liner condition over time?
2. Have you used any non-invasive inspection methods (e.g., acoustic monitoring, UT through liner, smart pigs)?
3. Did you develop your strategy from failure modes (FMEA/RCA) or condition-based approaches?
4. Most importantly what didn't work - and what did you pivot to?
Always looking to learn from others facing the same realities
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Lesiba Moja
Reliability Coordinator
First Quantum Minerals
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