Aegion’s Argentinian subsidiary, United Pipelines SRL, has received an $8.3 million worth contract for a project that involves the construction of special fittings and the installation of more than 13 miles of Tite Liner high-density polyethylene (HDPE) lining solution at the Potasio Rio Colorado mining site located in Mendoza, Argentina.
United Pipelines will install its lining system into 18” and 24” pipelines, which runs parallel to each other, and both the pipelines transmit a highly corrosive aqueous solution that contains large quantities of potassium chloride. The project work is anticipated to commence in September 2012.
One of the major challenges faced by United Pipelines in this project is the closeness of the two pipelines. The project also has other challenges, including a necessity that the project should be completed in about four months; the need to fabricate and mold specific fittings at the pipeline connection points to retain the desired flow rate; and the installation of Tite Liner system at a number of tight bend junctions, which needs considerable skill in the physical pull of the liner. Tite Liner offers excellent internal protection and considerably increases the functional life of pipelines.
Dorwin Hawn, SVP of Energy & Mining at Aegion, noted that their development team has been working together with Vale do Rio Doce, a mining company, to develop the Potasio Rio Colorado project. Hawn added that they have understood the scope and technical needs for a successful installation of the pipelines to maximize their useful life. Hence, the company is looking forward to continue its business relationship with Vale do Rio Doce on the current as well as future projects.
Source: http://www.aegion.com/