The paste backfill process is an incredibly important part of modern mining operations. Using paste backfill technology allows mining companies to dig deep into the earth, extract mineral and ore, and restore the structural integrity of the ground in areas above the mine. Paste backfill uses mixed tailings, water, and binding agents to create a slurry that is then pumped deep into sections of a mine once they are depleted.
Although this process is incredibly effective at preventing future subsidence and other disasters in areas that have been mined extensively, it’s very demanding on equipment. In fact, traditional pipe products can’t withstand the severe wear, tear, and pressure associated with pumping the slurry into the mines. Tricon’s Ultra Tech 600 piping systems are engineered to resist the abrasive materials being transported underground through these boreholes.
In this article, we’ll delve into exactly how our Ultra Tech Piping plays a pivotal role in the paste backfill process.
How Does Paste Backfill Work?
Paste backfill is a process that’s used to render some of the deepest, most complex mines in the world safer and more environmentally stable.
Prior to the advent of paste backfill, mines were often abandoned by their owners, leaving large chasms in the ground that were prone to collapse over time, creating dangerous sinkholes. Now, paste backfill has allowed mining operators to restore dormant mines and stabilize working mines to improve safety and output.
When a section of a mine is exhausted, paste backfill can fill up the cavernous underground spaces that are no longer being worked to prevent sinkholes, cave-ins, and other disasters. The byproducts of mining, or tailings, are mixed with a binding agent to create a muddy paste perfect for piping into voids within the mine via durable pipes like our UT600 line. By the time the paste backfill process is complete, the mine is far more structurally supported. And if a mine has reached the end of its useful life, paste backfill can also help mining operators stabilize the site.
Meet UltraTech UT600 Piping Technology
Many mining operators rely on Tricon’s Ultra Tech UT600 piping for their paste backfill needs. This is because our proprietary UT600 piping technology is designed specifically with highly abrasive and wear-intensive applications in mind. Our unique induction-hardening process gives UT600 pipes superior durability and resilience. This process produces an abrasion-resistant inner wall and a ductile outer wall. UT600 has a monolithic pipe wall with a hardness profile of 600BHN on the inner wall, tapering to 240BHN on the OD, which is still two times harder than mild steel.
This unique combination of traits allows our UT600 piping to withstand abrasive slurries while maintaining ductility, which makes welding easier. This tapered hardness profile helps to extend the lifespan of the pipeline and ensures reliable operation even in the most demanding of conditions, leading to reduced downtime, lower maintenance costs, and higher efficiency.
Our UT600 borehole pipe is available with traditional weld ends, and a threaded pipe option with machined ends and smooth transition points on the inner wall. Our threaded pipe system is available in most pipe sizes, reduces installation time, improves safety, and requires no on-site welding.
Tricon’s Ultra Tech pipeline systems can include many of the fittings, coupling, valves and accessories to make your paste delivery system as durable and cost-effective as possible. Our high-pressure diversion valves can be customized to operate pneumatically or hydraulically, and are engineered to switch lines under pressure up to 2,200PSI. We have a wide range of couplings including our Ultra Duty High Pressure couplings with pressure rating up to 2,650PSI. Induction-hardened bends, wyes, and reducers can all be custom fabricated for your system from UT600 steel.
As with any wear-resistant product, the advantages of UT600 lie in its resilience. This allows users to go longer between maintenance, repairs, or replacement of pipes. Additionally, our highly durable piping allows companies to plan their maintenance, improve operational efficiency, and reduce unexpected breakdowns.
Our proprietary UT600 piping technology represents the perfect crossroads of performance, cost effectiveness, and sustainability. By integrating UT600 piping into your paste backfill systems, your mining operations can drive both reliability and sustainability and help cut costs.
Tricon Wear Solutions: A Partner for the Future
The paste backfill process is critical to modern mining, but its success depends on reliable, efficient, and sustainable equipment. Tricon Wear Solutions’ proprietary UltraTech UT600 piping offers unmatched durability and performance, making it the ideal choice for mining operations worldwide. Designed to withstand the intense demands of abrasive slurries and high-pressure systems, UT600 pipes minimize downtime, reduce maintenance costs, and extend operational efficiency. At the same time, their recyclable design and sustainable manufacturing processes ensure your operations align with evolving environmental standards.
Beyond offering an industry-leading product, Tricon Wear Solutions is committed to providing unparalleled customer support. Our highly trained technicians are ready to assess your unique business needs, recommend tailored solutions, and assist with implementation. From the initial consultation to project completion, Tricon partners with you to optimize your paste backfill systems and help your business achieve greater efficiency and sustainability.
Don’t leave your critical operations to chance. Contact Tricon Wear Solutions today to learn more about how our UltraTech UT600 piping can transform your mining operations. Let us help you achieve your goals while building a more sustainable future for the mining industry. Together, we can redefine what’s possible in mining technology.
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