Black Mesa Pipeline operates a 273-mile coal slurry pipeline that is capable of transporting five million tons of coal per year. The pipeline originates on Black Mesa near Kayenta, Arizona and terminates at Mohave Generating Station in Laughlin, Nevada. The coal slurry is transported via an 18 inch diameter pipe by four pump stations. Each pump station utilizes multiple Wilson-Snyder, double acting, reciprocating pumps (see figures #1 & #2).

The life span of the piston rods at pump stations #1, #3, and #4 are between 1,600 and 3,000 hours, and they are usually replaced because of lateral wear. The piston rods at pump station #2 have a much shorter life span of about 1,000 hours, and is due to catastrophic failure.