Market indications and potash producers’ commitment to venture into this market are positive signs that potash demand will increase in the future.
As potash producers make these substantial investments, it is paramount that the materials specified and the choices made in procuring equipment and technology today will be working and relevant in the near and distant future.
Pocono Fabricators’ Pre-Krete Lining System is an investment for the future by offering operational longevity for process piping transporting potash slurries.
Pocono Fabricators’ Pre-Krete lining experience in solution mining of potash began in 1982. Pre-Krete G-8 was tested and excelled for exposure to an abrasive slurry very high in sulfates and chlorides. Performance was based on a pH ranging from 5 to 8 with line pressure varying from 1,250 to 1,500 psi with process temperatures of 10 C (50 F) to 140 C (284 F). Favourable data resulted in the utilization of our Pre-Krete G-8.
Service Environments: Pocono Fabricators’ Pre-Krete systems are developed to combat the detrimental effects of corrosion and abrasion at elevated temperatures (1000 F / 538 C). The combinations of both chemical and physical attack often lead to unanticipated failures in infrastructure and process equipment.
Experience: Pre-Krete remains a cost-effective answer to the corrosion/abrasion conditions of solution mining. In addition to protecting pipelines for potash, Pre-Krete is utilized in sands oil, sulfur, lithium mining, and geo-thermal applications.
Product: Pre-Krete G-8 is a bauxite-based material. The material matrix is defined by incorporating components that provide corrosion and abrasion resistance, as well as innovations that control physical characteristics. Compressive strength, flexural strength, coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal stress index, thermal shock, K-factor, or thermal conductivity must be tendered in order to assure compatibility with substrates where Pre-Krete is employed.
Insitu Application: Existing subsurface pipe is lined. Excavated access points are located every 600 feet to 1,000 feet, providing access to the pipeline. Utilizing high-pressure pumps, the Pre-Krete is moved through flexible hoses and pulled through the pipe while a rotary spray head centrifugally applies the Pre-Krete.
Spin Casting Application: In new pipe, Pre-Krete G-8 is applied via spin casting. Utilizing a lance, a “ribbon” of Pre-Krete is placed along the entire length of the pipe. The pipe is then spun and the Pre-Krete is centrifugally cast to the interior diameter of the pipe. This process requires special equipment and a skillset to assure that component distribution and densification of the Pre-Krete is consistent to assure maximum service life.
Installation: Excavation, placement, and backfilling of Pre-Krete lined pipe is performed by highly skilled contractors. Standards have been developed for the transporting, handling, placement, and welding of the pipe. These details may differ and are specified on a project-by-project basis.
Future: Pocono Fabricators continues to supply Pre-Krete G-8 to potash producers for pipe ranging from three inches to 54 inches in diameter. Additional applications for Pre-Krete exist in the refinery process of potash. Pocono Fabricators is committed to this market and involved with improving existing products, as well as involved in R&D to consider new materials for this service. As the world demand for agriculturally based food sources increases, yield per acre must as well. The demand for potash will keep pace with this trend.
Pocono Fabricators is a Division of Sauereisen, a third-generation company established in 1899. Sauereisen offers a complete line of protective linings and repair materials for new and rehabilitation applications. Visit them online at www.sauereisen.com.
For mor information contact:
Robert B. Boileau
160 Gamma Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
610-400-1885
rboileau@pre-krete.com
