PUMPS AND PIPELINES
Keeping a check on pipelines
Piping systems are crucial to the mining industry , enabling the transportation of various products such as tailings and slurry . However , these systems face significant challenges such as erosion and corrosion , which can compromise their integrity .
Fortunately , recent technological advancements offer efficient and nonintrusive methods to assess piping conditions and monitor fitness-forservice , according to Eddyfi Technologies .
The use of Pulsed Eddy Current Array ( PECA ) probes for quick evaluation of internal corrosion from the outside , along with roboticallydeployed visual and PECA inspections , can provide valuable insights on the internal condition and external corrosion of slurry pipelines when outside access is not feasible , the company says .
In mining pipelines , erosion is a significant concern that causes wall thinning and poses the risk of failure . For instance , tailings piping used in oil sands operations are prone to internal erosion-related issues which can quickly eat through the steel wall . However , Ultrasonic Testing ( UT ) techniques face challenges in accurately assessing this condition due to the pipe ’ s multi-layer construction , which causes significant velocity changes at the interface .
Pulsed Eddy Current ( PEC ) inspection technology offers fast and reliable screening from the external surface of pipelines to assess erosion of steel piping . PEC is now widely accepted and regulated by industry standards such as ISO 20669 , API RP 583 , and ASME Section V , Article 21 , according to Eddyfi . PEC can measure average wall thickness ; assess corrosion scabs , blisters , and general corrosion on the outer surface of pipes ; and detect erosion or flow-accelerated corrosion located on the inner surface of pipes .
This electromagnetic testing technique uses eddy currents generated through strong magnetic pulses to assess the integrity of ferromagnetic components . PEC functions in two phases where the PEC probe sends a magnetic pulse that penetrates the inspected part through any coatings or insulation . In phase two , the magnetic pulse is turned off , and eddy currents are generated in the pipe wall . By examining the decay of the signal collected in phase two , the remaining wall thickness can be estimated .
Over the past decade , the oil , gas and mining industries have witnessed the development of specialised probes that cater to their unique demands . One noteworthy breakthrough in this field has been the introduction of PECA technology and dynamic encoding , which significantly enhances the efficiency of PEC inspections , according to Eddfyi .
“ In particular , Eddyfi Technologies ’ six-channel array probe , popularly known as PECA , has emerged as a game-changing solution to the challenges posed by these industries ,” the company said . “ By pulsing and acquiring data on all channels simultaneously , the probe can cover up to 18 in ( 457 mm ) and boost productivity significantly , all while the mining site pipe systems remain in service . This innovation has greatly improved the productivity and reliability of inspections , making them more efficient and cost-effective .”
In an example using PECA , multiple distribution lines underwent inspection at a scan rate of at least 3 in / s . The results of the inspection revealed significant wall losses of over 50 % due to erosion . These findings were later confirmed through ultrasonic testing during a maintenance shutdown .
Eddyfi Technologies ’ PECA- Eddyfi Technologies Lyft PECA inspection solution HR ( HR for High Resolution ) probe complements the PECA probe , helping detect erosion in mining site pipelines . The PECA-HR employs a clever sensor design and advanced software algorithms to improve accuracy over previous probes , like the G2 PEC sensor . When used together with the PECA probe , it can create a detailed map highlighting areas of interest with smaller indications and local wall thinning .
“ Inspecting the interior of mining site pipe systems is crucial for early detection of liner damage or external corrosion in buried pipelines ,” Eddyfi said . “ However , these inspections present specific challenges such as examining confined spaces and hazardous environments , and rising costs related to direct human intervention . Visual inspections are inadequate for assessing pipe wall loss caused by soil-to-air interface corrosion , and UT techniques struggle with velocity changes at the rubber-to-steel interface .”
Eddyfi Technologies ’ remotely-operated inspection robots , equipped with cameras and advanced NDT systems such as PECA probes , offer a solution to these challenges , according to the company . They can be used to map the remaining wall thickness of a buried pipeline , identifying soil-to-steel corrosion problems caused by damaged external or internal lining .
An example of Eddyfi ' s success in the mining sector is its work with TESRA at the Escondida copper mine in Chile . Here , the company used the VersaTrax™ long-range inspection crawler to inspect a 170-km pipeline responsible for transporting 8 % of the world ’ s copper production . Real-time visual data helped provide a comprehensive integrity report on the copper mine slurry pipeline .
Eddyfi concluded : “ Recent innovations in non-destructive testing technologies have opened up significant opportunities for the mining industry to tackle some of its most pressing challenges . The introduction of PECA probes has played a pivotal role in enabling efficient and reliable in-service assessment of internal erosion in mining site piping systems . These high-speed , wide coverage and rugged probes are not only immune to linings and coatings but also maintain reliability even when pipe surfaces are not prepared for inspection .
“ When combined with robotic crawlers , these probes can effectively and safely evaluate the internal lining condition of buried pipelines and detect external corrosion . Inspecting pipelines inside out offers a positive outlook on mining asset integrity for improved safety and increased economic efficiency .”
year for a number of engines used on DXB pumps , the organisation has redesigned its units and chosen new engine suppliers to reduce the delivery times of the pumpsets to less than 16 weeks , according to the company .
DXB now offer its pumpsets with fuel-agnostic engines from Cummins and Deutz , allowing the pump company to design its units in a manner that allows it to fit either EU Stage V or Stage II engines in its open frames or canopy units with very little difference in times of delivery or build .
This new design philosophy from DXB allows the company to offer an engine solution from a global brand with global next-day support and be
able to offer its pumpsets with delivery times as low as 14 weeks , some 75 % shorter than pumpsets powered by other well-known engines , it claims .
Simon Ruffles , Managing Director of DXB Pump & Power , said , “ With the UK signing the ‘ Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for
42 International Mining | JUNE 2023