Backfill Piping Geometry Verification With Pipeline Inspection
Capability
Buildup or debris in pipelines can limit the pipeline’s capacity and be a risk for pipeline integrity. With 100 pressure measurements per second, i.e. every 2.5cm (1 inch) at a 2m/s (6.5 ft/s) flow speed, Pipers® provide a detailed pressure profile over the full length of the pipeline. Combined with the Pipers® measurement of absolute flow velocity over the full pipeline length, a highly accurate pressure and velocity profile can be derived, allowing to identify and locate flow restrictions.
Project details
When our client noticed discrepancies between its hydraulic model and readings on the cemented paste backfill underground distribution system (UDS) at its gold mine in northern Australia, the mining giant dug into the cause. Crews used analogue pressure gauges to confirm pressure sensor readings along the pipeline, and installed an additional flow meter. Their readings were consistent with the earlier data; the discrepancies persisted.
Our client deployed two Pipers® to assess the flow and wall condition of the mine’s UDS. The configuration of the trialed UDS was approximately 2.6 kilometers long and descended about 1.2 kilometers underground, with the route consisting of intermittent vertical and horizontal sections.
INGU’s analysis validated the data collected at various points along the UDS. Readings showed slack flow, where the backfill is not flowing at full capacity and there is no pipeline pressure in several places. Areas of slack flow typically experience more wear and tear, endure damage-inducing vibrations, and may require more maintenance than other areas.
The client was also able to verify the geometry of the backfill pipeline and concluded, based on INGU’s data, that an extension loop that was supposedly taken offline, was still connected.
“Pipers® are the only tool we can use to simultaneously measure the flow and the velocity throughout the full length of our UDS and without any downtime required,” says the client’s Global Backfill Specialist. “The data we collected with Pipers® helped us recalibrate our model to better understand what’s happening throughout the UDS. We’ll definitely use Pipers® again.”
Pipeline specifications
Pipeline Length | 2.6 kilometers |
Pipeline Diameter | 200 millimeters |
Pipeline Material | Carbon steel |
Content | Cemented paste backfill |
Location | Australia |
