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Application · A01

Slurry & tailings pipelines

Mineral slurry and tailings wear pipe from the inside, fastest at bends, tees and just after pumps. Alumina linings resist sliding abrasion by hard, sharp particles; rubber-ceramic adds cushioning where coarse particles or pressure surges hit.

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Section through a ceramic-lined steel elbowR = 1.5D–3DOUTER RADIUSwear concentrates hereALUMINA TILES92 % or 95 % Al₂O₃STEEL SHELLto your pressure specFLANGEASME / EN / JIS / AWWAFLOW
FIG. — Ceramic-lined elbow, section: particles strike the outer radius. Schematic.

Where the wear concentrates

  • The outer radius of bends and elbows, where particles strike the wall.
  • Tees, reducers and branch connections, where flow changes direction or speed.
  • The first spools after pumps and feeders.
  • Valve bodies and fittings downstream of throttling points.

Lining these first usually removes most unplanned stops. Straight runs can follow when wear records justify it.

Lining options

Lining options
SituationUsually fitsNotes
Fine to medium particles, steady flowCeramic-lined steel spools, bonded tiles92 % standard; 95 % for severe wear
Bends and elbowsCeramic-lined elbows, heavier lining on the outer radiusBend radius as specified, e.g. 1.5D–3D
Coarse particles, impact, pressure pulsationRubber-ceramic lined pipeCheck temperature and any oils
Small boresAlumina tubes inserted in steelFewer joints in the lining
Ceramic-lined steel pipe: cross-section and longitudinal half-sectionFLOWSTEEL PIPEALUMINA TILE LININGtiles bonded or weldedFLANGE TO YOUR STANDARD
FIG. — Lined spool, cross-section and half-section. Schematic.

What to send us

  • SolidsType, specific gravity, % solids, d50/d80 and largest particle
  • FlowVelocity or flow rate; pump type
  • PressureOperating pressure and surges
  • PipeSize, wall thickness or schedule, flange standard
  • LayoutIsometric or drawing with bend angles and radii
  • HistoryCurrent pipe material, service life and where it fails

Questions

Is alumina better than rubber for tailings?

It depends on particle size, velocity and impact. Coarse, sharp particles at higher velocity favour alumina; fine slurries with impact or pulsation often suit rubber or rubber-ceramic. Send the duty and we compare the options for your line.

Do we need to line the straight runs?

Not always. Many plants line bends, tees, reducers and pump discharge spools first, then extend lining to straights where wear records show it is needed.

Send the duty conditions.

We recommend the lining, state where it stops working, and quote once the parameters are confirmed.

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