🔧 Slurry Pipeline Maintenance Strategies – Looking for Technical Insights 🔍
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
🧠 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
------------------------------
Lesiba Moja
Reliability Coordinator
First Quantum Minerals
------------------------------