Intelligent selection of engineered wear linings in iron ore plant

Abstract

Market forces, particularly iron ore prices, demand that plant operators achieve higher throughput in the World's iron ore beneficiation plants without compromising yields or efficiency. This means that production cost per tonne is of paramount importance and that all major pieces of processing equipment have come under close scrutiny to improve throughput at their most efficient performance levels and for the longest possible continuous running time. Without doubt the use of modern engineering standards and materials of construction has contributed to matching these throughput, efficiency and availability demands.

However, often not enough attention is paid to the ‘insignificant elements’ connecting this metallurgical equipment, such as chutes, pipes or other conveying systems, and particularly to the sufficient protection of their wearing surfaces. The result can be an unplanned and expensive outage caused by the wear related failure of such components. The present paper discusses the theory of wear and the multiple factors of material and design that contribute to a reduction in wear and the combinations of modern wear resistant materials available to today's engineer and how, by intelligent selection and correct application, plant availability can be optimised. Examples are given outlining how these principles have been applied in South Africa, showing some improvements leading to increased plant availability.