Tailings rubber-lined pipes are a specialized type of pipeline designed to transport slurry, particularly tailings, which are the byproducts of mining operations (often consisting of a mixture of water, chemicals, and finely ground minerals). 

1. Rubber Lining

• Material: The inner surface of these pipes is lined with a thick layer of rubber (often natural or synthetic elastomers). This rubber lining serves as a protective barrier between the corrosive, abrasive slurry and the pipe material.

• Advantages:
  • Corrosion Resistance: Rubber is highly resistant to corrosion from chemicals and acids often found in mining tailings.
  • Abrasion Resistance: Rubber withstands wear from the coarse particles in the slurry, reducing pipe erosion over time.
  • Flexibility: Rubber-lined pipes can handle vibration and movement, which is common in mining operations.

2. Durability

• Longer Lifespan: The rubber lining extends the life of the pipeline system by providing protection against abrasive wear and chemical degradation.
• Reduced Maintenance: Rubber-lined pipes require less frequent maintenance compared to unlined or less specialized pipes, which translates into lower operational costs.

3. Applications

• Tailings Transport: Most commonly used to transport tailings from the mining site to tailings storage facilities, typically via long distances.
• Slurry Handling: These pipes are also used for transporting other forms of slurry in industries like cement, coal, and chemical processing.