Why Mining Operators Are Turning to In-Line Inspection

Wear on slurry pipelines is inevitable. Replacing pipelines before they need replacement is not. 

Slurry pipelines transport the byproducts of the mining process – finely ground rock suspended in water and pumped over long distances. In effect, these pipelines continuously transport the abrasive media used in industrial blasting applications. 

Over the life of a single pipeline, millions of tonnes of sandpaper-like matter may pass through the system. Every bend, every change in velocity, and every hour of operation contributes to more and more wear. 

The challenge for mining operators is knowing exactly where that wear is occurring, how quickly it is progressing, and whether the pipeline will safely reach the next maintenance shutdown. 

Traditionally, operators have relied on spot thickness measurements, pressure monitoring, and scheduled pipe replacement.  

While useful, these methods only provide snapshots of pipeline condition – and risk prematurely replacing spools. 

In-line inspection (ILI) changes that. 

Using ultrasonic technology, operators can inspect the entire pipeline and monitor erosion, gouging, and geometric defects.  

These defects are not limited to the wear and tear of transporting abrasive slurry. Over the years, we have encountered HDPE pipelines deformed by heavy mining equipment driving over it, as well as severe gouges caused by excavation activities. In many cases, the damage originated outside the pipeline. 

The ILI data gathered allows operators to accurately calculate the remaining lifetime of their pipelines, replacing sections when needed rather than when a general estimate tells them to. 

By replacing assumptions with data, operators can better: 

• Optimize maintenance budgets 
• Extend asset life 
• Reduce the risk of unplanned outages 

For operators moving millions of tonnes of material every year, that information can be just as valuable as the pipeline itself. 

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Dexon has been inspecting slurry pipelines for nearly 30 years.  

If you're looking to better understand wear rates, optimize replacement schedules, and reduce uncertainty in your integrity program, talk to our team today.