TPT January 2025

German manufacturer offers a flexible and durable solution for temporary surface pipelines in extreme environments By Andrea Schütz, head of media content & media strategy, ABOPR Pressedienst BV

In order to maintain operations it is crucial that the pipes are laid quickly and with low manpower requirements. To achieve this, German manufacturer Rädlinger primus line GmbH has developed the Primus Line ® Overland Piping system that considerably reduces the effort. One reason for this is the structure of the aramid-reinforced and composite liner with leak-free connectors, which makes it much more durable and flexible than other piping at the same time. The system is specifically developed for above ground piping of demanding and potentially hazardous media. The biggest problem with mines is that they are often located in remote places whose terrain makes laying above ground supply lines a particular challenge. “To keep mining operations running, water and other process media must be transported through a remote and rugged terrain, where the weather is often extreme, the access is limited, and the risks are high. It is essential to have a reliable and durable pipeline system that can handle the challenges and deliver the targeted results,” explained engineer Heiko Manzke, director Australia and New Zealand. HDPE pipes are still frequently used for this purpose, as they have proven themselves in many applications. However, it is particularly important to have as few connection points as possible, which can weaken the overall structural integrity of the lines and create weak points where problems such as leaks can occur if they are under constant stress from environmental influences. No matter which overland piping system is used: in the long term, these lead to materials degrading over time, which can only be prevented up to a certain point. That is why Germany-based Rädlinger primus line GmbH has developed Primus Line ® Overland Piping: an alternative that is considerably safer and more resistant, but at the same time can significantly shorten the installation work. “The lining of the flexible pipeline consists of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a very durable polymer. Its outer layer, also made of TPU, offers maximum protection from UV-light and abrasion as well as the required flexibility for repeated The construction and laying of the above-ground pipeline infrastructure in mining operations involves a great deal of labour, time and costs. One of the biggest hurdles is the general safety of the pipes, which have to be weatherproof even in extreme areas. On the other hand, they should have as few connecting elements as possible, as these are inherently a weak point and encourage leaks, for example, that pose a security threat to the environment. However, if the terrain is particularly challenging, it may be necessary to lay more connections in order to adapt to the terrain without risking too much distance unnecessarily, which in turn increases the general project costs.

The TPU coating makes the liner flexible and resistant against UV as well as abrasion

installations and coiling of the reusable system,” explained Mr Manzke.

High durability Abrasion, impact, UV light and other environmental stresses affect the outer layers of the pipe while they internally must be able to cope with abrasive materials and harsh chemicals. Therefore, Primus Line ® Overland Piping has a three-layer structure to ensure high durability. While the outer TPU-layer protects against external influences, the aramid-reinforced middle layer ensures the necessary flexibility of the liner, making it reusable and bendable.

The structure of the composite liner makes it resistant to hazardous media

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January 2025 TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL