Australia’s more than 350 mine sites rely on thousands of kilometres of water pipelines for operations, as well as ensuring access to water onsite.

Water pipelines are vital infrastructure assets to the mining industry; however, they are a complex network of systems that must be maintained to prevent failures, optimise efficiency, and safeguard health.

Pipe Tek is a leading pipeline contractor that specialises in the maintenance, inspection and repair of water pipelines. The company’s Chief Operating Officer and resident water pipeline expert, Taddam Farrant, says that hydrotesting, pigging, cleaning and inspection ensure that water pipelines remain in optimal condition.

According to Farrant, inspection and maintenance of water pipelines is important because it’s vital to keep the asset in the best working order to maintain flow and keep debris out of the line. Unlike pipelines transporting gas, this includes making sure that all precautions are taken to ensure the water is safe to be consumed or used when it reaches its destination.

‘Hygiene is our biggest challenge because bacteria and E. coli can build up as a result of inadequate cleaning and maintenance, and/or water sitting stagnant for too long,’ he says.

‘When it comes to potable water, it’s important that the product provided to the end user is suitable for consumption and no bacteria is present.’

Farrant says that Pipe Tek routinely hears from mining operators about issues relating to sediment and operating pressure.

‘Scale build-up and reduced flow are issues that come up in pretty much every conversation,’ he says. ‘Sediment coming out of potable water pipelines where it shouldn’t be is also a relatively common problem, as well.’

Farrant says that a key consideration to keep in mind when testing, inspecting and cleaning water pipelines is flange management.

‘Correct flange management prior to testing ensures that the test won’t be affected by issues like leaking bolts,’ he says. ‘The pipe should also be cleaned using foam pigs before being flushed with water to remove debris and residue. This assists with reducing turbidity to commission potable water pipelines.

‘All scour valves and low point drains have to be bled and dropped out to avoid debris sitting in the line, and contamination in bacterial results.’

He says that selecting the correct cleaning method is dependent on what’s being transported.

‘Potable water requires a more stringent cleaning and maintenance method. This includes chemical dosing, pipeline pigging and flushing, and bacterial testing to comply with standards.

‘The other lines would be dependent on what the client is trying to achieve. That’s where Pipe Tek’s expertise can tailor a custom solution for the asset owner.’  

For more information about Pipe Tek’s capabilities to service mining operations, visit www.pipetek.com.au.