In the picturesque department of San Rafael, located in the south of Mendoza province at the foot of the majestic Andes Mountains in Argentina, fruits and vegetables are cultivated, and viticulture and olive farming stand out. Besides being a major tourist destination, this region hosts one of Argentina’s largest uranium reserves, located in Sierra Pintada, where the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) operates the San Rafael Industrial Mining Complex (CMFSR).
Contacts mentioned in the article:
Mauricio Rodríguez, Valve specialist at KLINGER Argentina
Reinaldo Luzco Abalos, Sales Manager Mining Projects at KLINGER Argentina
Argentina’s path to environmental remediation
In Argentina, approximately ten percent of the electricity production comes from nuclear power plants that use natural uranium, such as Atucha I, II, and Embalse. Currently, uranium is imported from Kazakhstan. The CMFSR plant has begun mitigating passive environmental impacts by processing uranium-containing waste to recover it and send it to the uranium dioxide conversion plant of Dioxitek, located in the city of Córdoba. This process, in addition to contributing to environmental remediation, represents an important step toward the country’s energy sovereignty.
In this context, a critical need arose: the supply of spare parts for the valves installed in the complex, along with their repair and maintenance, which are necessary for the operation of the uranium separation and concentration line, part of the water and solid waste remediation process.
Valves to the rescue
The National Atomic Energy Commission contacted KLINGER Argentina to address this need. The team, composed of valve maintenance specialists and led by the Manager of Mining Project Development, Reinaldo Luzco Abalos, worked closely with CNEA personnel, including Vanesa García, Head of the Plant Division, and Oscar Comito, Deputy Manager of the Mining Complex.
“During our visit, a comprehensive survey of the facilities was conducted, identifying diaphragm valves in various lines carrying acidic solutions. Based on this analysis, we provided advice on the most suitable solutions for the repair and maintenance of the valves, ensuring the plant’s prompt commissioning.”
Reinaldo Luzco Abalos, Sales Manager Mining Projects at KLINGER Argentina
On-site diaphragm valve servicing
Through a public bidding process, KLINGER Argentina was selected to execute this project. Since the valves could not be transported to KLINGER’s plant in Garín, the work was carried out on-site in San Rafael. KLINGER Argentina’s technical team was present throughout the process, ensuring the quality of the work and maintaining close collaboration with the CMFSR.
More than 124 diaphragm valves, exclusively distributed by KLINGER Argentina, were serviced. The tasks included disassembly, diaphragm and actuator replacement, air tightness testing, and final assembly. During the process, damage to the valve liners was identified, which required the use of elastomer (EPDM) gaskets, suggested by KLINGER Argentina’s technical team.
Technical training for safe uranium separation
The project concluded with the delivery of technical data sheets for each serviced valve and a training session for CMFSR personnel on the proper use and preventive maintenance of diaphragm valves, conducted by valve specialist Mauricio Rodríguez from KLINGER Argentina.
The project was a resounding success, ensuring that the uranium separation line is ready for commissioning, which will be determined by CNEA. This collaboration reinforces KLINGER Argentina’s commitment to offering high-value solutions, contributing to both the country’s energy development and environmental protection.
Fact box
Did you know…
… that Uranium was discovered in 1789 by Martin Klaproth, a German chemist?
… that Uranium is named after the planet Uranus?
… that diaphragm valves use a flexible membrane to control fluid flow, making them versatile?
…that diaphragm valves are bi-directional, on-off throttle valves that can be made from materials like plastic, metal, or even wood?
