PVC-O Pipes for Mining Applications from Think Pipes Think PVC

Borefield Transfer Pipe, Oz Minerals Prominent Hill

PVC-O pipes identified as bringing considerable advantages including operational and installation.

In late 2007 Vinidex was awarded the opportunity to provide pipeline materials for the Prominent Hill Borefield Transfer Pipeline. The pipeline is an essential piece of infrastructure that provides water for many communities from processing the raw materials, to potable consumption via on site reverse osmosis plant.

Initially specified in PE, detailed cost benefit analysis revealed Supermain® PVC-O to be a more viable material option. Supermain® PVC-O pipes were seen to be bring considerable advantages including operational and installation. This was an unprecedented project in Australia as PVC-O had not been used for a mining application of this nature. This project has set a precedent for the future as mining companies nation wide to seek to maintain the efficiency of water supply to their operations using the very best materials available.

Ian King, Project Manager for Oz Minerals Prominent Hill talks of the benefit of PVC-O. "The ease of laying the PVC-O in the harsh conditions was an extreme advantage. At times we were able to lay up to 1800 metres in a full shift. We worked two crews on laying, one during the day and a night time crew. PVC-O is a tough pipe and will be tested in the harsh conditions of the South Australian desert and we have no doubt that this pipe was the correct decision for this project".

Operational performance advantages of PVC-O include:
Exceptional resistance to fatigue and cyclic loading
Superior hydraulic performance and reduced pumping cost
100 year service life
Reduced OHS risk through lightweight

Environmental Benefits include:
Low environmental impact through the efficient use of materials
Reduces pumping energy requirements

Commercial benefits include:
Rapid and cost effective installation
Long service life with low maintenance requirement
Reduced pumping cost and energy savings