Mining, Geo Thermal, Pipe Lining

Pre-Krete remains a cost effective answer to the corrosion / abrasion conditions of “Solution Mining”. Pre-Krete has been utilized in the mining of Potash, Sands Oil, Sulfur, and Geo-Thermal applications.

In Solution Mining caverns, pockets, or pods exist or are created below the earth’s surface. Pipe is used to carry water, steam or a combination of both into the cavity. Pressures build and the solution containing the mined substance is forced to the surface. In all cases the pipe taking the solution away from the cavity are lined with Pre-Krete. In some cases both the delivery and the return pipes are lined. In this case the process is often reversed to release any blockages and promote continued flow.

The application of Pre-Krete to the pipe is accomplished in several ways.

• The most common is “Spin Casting”. A “ribbon” of Pre-Krete is placed along the entire length of the pipe. The pipe is then spun and the Pre-Krete is centrifugally cast to the interior diameter of the pipe.
• Pipe can also be lined while in place below the ground. This requires specialized equipment. In this application, Pre-Krete is pumped to a spinning spray head. The Pre-Krete is then sprayed evenly to the interior of the pipe. The spray rig is also equipped with rotating trowels that smooth the Pre-Krete as this complete unit is pulled through the pipe.
• Hand or Gunnite / Shotcrete application can be performed if the pipe diameter is ample enough to allow a work crew to enter the pipe and apply the Pre-Krete.