Mineral Processing - Hydraulic Transport Pipeline
Release time:
2025-12-22
1. Introduction
Wear, ore variability, and high pressure make flow measurement in hydraulic pipelines difficult and costly. Sonar flow meters, however, are unaffected by these factors, enabling lower-cost improvements in pipeline operation and leak detection.
2. Process
Hydraulic transport pipelines are a critical and cost-effective method for long-distance solid-material transportation. Many such pipelines traverse rugged terrains, where variations in elevation, geological conditions, weather-related factors, and proximity to densely populated areas make precise flow measurement essential for leak detection and operational control. The properties of water and chemical additives can lead to scaling on the inner surfaces of the pipelines. Coarse ore particles cause continuous abrasion. Moreover, changes in elevation and/or the use of high-pressure positive-displacement pumps result in extremely high internal pressures in certain sections of the pipeline—making flow measurement particularly desirable in these areas, such as pump discharge lines and choke stations.
3. Challenge
To date, invasive electromagnetic flowmeters remain the preferred technology for flow measurement. However, high concentrations of abrasive solids can cause wear to the wetted components inside the electromagnetic flowmeter. Additionally, the properties of the water and/or the use of chemical additives may lead to scale buildup on the electrodes inside the flowmeter. All of these factors can degrade the performance of the electromagnetic flowmeter and shorten its service life. In areas with high internal pressure—especially remote regions that are difficult to monitor—invading electromagnetic flowmeters are likely to leak, causing significant environmental damage.
4. Sonar Flow Meter Solution
Now there’s a better option. Pipeline operators are now replacing traditional electromagnetic flow meters with sonar-based flow monitoring systems. These sonar flow meters are mounted directly onto existing pipelines and are unaffected by wear, slurry density, internal pressure, or scaling. As a result, while achieving repeatable and accurate flow measurements, pipeline operators also gain enhanced process insights, increased confidence, and improved leak-detection capabilities. The unique in-line measurement of entrained air further boosts the accuracy of density readings. When it becomes necessary to replace pipelines due to wear of the pipe or liner, the easy-to-disassemble and re-install sonar flow meters significantly reduce maintenance time and costs—and eliminate the need to purchase and stock expensive spare parts for electromagnetic flow meters.
Industry Applications
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Building 21, Yangtze Headquarters Base, No. 5 Puzhu North Road, Jiangbei New Area, Nanjing City
Phone:+86 025 58234466\52701863
Email:sli@plapl.com.cn