Abrasion Performance and Microplastic Pollution

In industries requiring high abrasion resistance for media transportation, such as mining and beyond, the efficiency of pipeline is paramount. Slurry pipe transport, a method gaining traction, involves suspending finely ground solids in water for pipeline transport. This method offers advantages over traditional dry transport, but abrasion remains a significant concern.

Understanding Abrasion Challenges
Abrasion from solid particles in slurry can cause wear on pipelines, affecting operational efficiency and maintenance costs. Choosing the right pipe material is crucial to combat this issue and ensure the longevity of the transport system. Polyethylene (PE) pipes, particularly PE100, PE112, and advanced PE-VHAR, exhibit exceptional abrasion resistance, minimizing wear from slurry particles. These pipes also offer chemical resistance, ease of installation, and flexibility, contributing to overall system durability. By categorizing operations based on slurry conditions, operators can identify and select the most appropriate PE pipe solution. PE100 suits standard water transport, PE112 handles moderately abrasive slurries, while Advanced PE-VHAR excels in higher extreme abrasion environments.

Case Studies
The VHAR pipe material has been certified and tested to have excellent abrasion resistance properties, better than PE100, through certified lab tests and simulation tests that simulate real slurry conditions, conducted by IDIEM and SCGC internal simulation tests.

The circulated sand slurry pump test is conducted by SCGC internal laboratory. The test results graph shows that VHAR S999PC material has abrasion resistance better than PE100 by 2.3 times. This leads to the opportunity to extend the service life, reducing the frequency of pipe replacement and lowering project costs in terms of installation.

Material Compatibility
PE-VHAR S999PC is also proven according to HDPE pipe welding standard. PE100/PE112 and PE-VHAR S999PC material are HDPE that can be completely joined to each other by showing in “Ductile” failure mode according to ISO 13953, as per the information shown in picture number 3.

Environmental Impact and Microplastic Reduction
PE pipe recycling initiatives showcase commitment to sustainability. Advanced PE-VHAR S999PC pipes not only extend lifespan contributing to minimizing CO2 emissions but also reduce environmental impact. The positive environmental impact is further accentuated by the decrease in wear-related microplastic release into the environment. PE-VHAR S999PC’s superior abrasion resistance diminishes the generation of micro plastic particles during the transportation of slurry. This reduction in microplastic pollution underscores the pivotal role that advancements in PE-VHAR pipe technology can play in fostering sustainable practices and minimizing the ecological footprint of slurry transport systems. These innovations address existing challenges while aligning with sustainability goals. Selecting the right PE pipe is crucial for efficient and reliable media transport in various industries.

By considering factors like abrasiveness and particle size, operators can choose suitable pipes for their specific needs. Expert advice and tailored solutions can optimize mining infrastructure for longevity and performance. For personalized assistance, contact our experienced team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Panida Wangtiprak / SCG Chemicals Thailand