SUCCESS STORIES
Internal Linings Saved by Corrosion Resistant Coatings
T
he process of extracting and processing uranium can present
The exchange vessels measure at around 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in diameter
many challenges. Machinery and equipment are exposed to
and 5 m (16.4 ft) in height and are considered the lifeblood of
environments during production, which over time can cause damage
their business. The process conditions meant that there was a
and lead to shutdowns (Fig. 1).
strong chemical presence and high operating temperatures further
If left untreated, corrosion can lead to major consequences for
contributing to the corrosion of the lining.
large assets, such as vessels. Both on a financial level as well as
Two of the vessels were able to be viewed, due to being out of service,
environmental.
helping to understand the process conditions. A solution had to be presented that could offer good chemical resistance and withstand
produce high purity uranium. A planned upgrade revealed issues with
high operating temperatures.
the existing rubber lining of exchange vessels, critical to the extraction
The existing rubber internal lining had to be removed using a high
process. The lining failure had caused corrosion of the steel substrate
temperature, ultra-high-pressure jet water operating at 150°C (302°F)
(which had continued to go unnoticed behind the rubber) and now
and 40,000psi pressure. This stripped back the rubber lining, leaving a
had the potential to severely impact production and ultimately shut
bare steel shell with only small amounts of rubber remaining. This was
them down completely.
then whip blasted and any sharp angles, burrs and weld defects were
© Belzona Polymerics Ltd.
A uranium mine in Australia uses a unique extraction technology to
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Figure Fig ure re e 1 - Dur During ing prroce occe ess of o ura ra aniu n m extr ni extr xt act acting iing g an and d pro roc o ess e sing ing g machin mac hine hin ery an ery and d equi quipme pment nt ar are a e ex expos p ed pos e to se s ere sev er co condi nd tio ndi ti ns, which whi ch h ove ov r time ca can n caus causse dama dama mage ge and ge d le lead ad to shu shutdowns.
N.31 - 2019 OCTOBER - ipcm® Protective Coatings