Iracore vs. steel: a side-by-side comparison

Iracore vs. steel:
a side-by-side comparison

Some of the largest companies in the Canadian oil sands are switching from unlined steel pipe and metallic linings to the Iracore system. Why is Iracore becoming the region’s lined pipe system of choice for slurry transport and tailings disposal?

Performance Factor	Iracore Lined Pipe	Unlined Steel Pipe
Lifespan in Canadian oil sands	10 + Years	2 Years
Rotation frequency	Every 2 years	Every 6 months
Times workers must handle pipe over 10-year span	4	20
Inspection frequency	Once a year	Twice a year
Lower cost per year of wear life (on per-foot basis)	* (by over 50%)	-
Insulating properties reduce slurry water heating costs	*	-
Reduces friction loss and slurry pumping costs	*	-
Reduces or eliminates sandfills	*	-
Withstands greater velocities	* (up to 6 m/sec.)	-
Provides overall savings on installation, operating and maintenance	*	-
Note: Comparison based on use in Canadian oil sands for slurry transport and tailings disposal.

Reduce your downtime and increase throughput with the Iracore slurry pipe system — email us or call (218) 263-8831.