Valves get top grade at a Chilean copper mine

摘要

The Dona Ines de Collahuasi Mining Company's operations in Chile take place at an average height of 4,000 meters above sea level. Here, high altitude and climatic changes put a heavy strain on the valves used and upon their reliability. Jamesbury valves have been continuously operating in these mines for nearly nine years now and, perhaps surprisingly when considering these prevailing climatic conditions, have rarely required maintenance. The valves are operated under extreme conditions as a result of sharp temperature changes, low oxygen availability and high fluid pH acidity. During the summer the copper mine can be affected by the so called 'altiplanic winter' leaving an abundance of humidity, and during the winter season cold temperatures reach -20 to -30°C (-4 to 86F). The staff at the Dona Ines de Collahuasi Mining Company bring you their own story about their valves ...