JOURNAL PAPER

Reduced maintenance costs resulting from the use of wear resistant materials

S.D. Viljoen

Multotec Wear Linings (Pty) Ltd

SYNOPSIS

The use of ceramics to protect equipment subjected to wear in abrasive and corrosive applications has been accepted by most plants as the industry norm. Little is, however, known about alternative special ceramic based products which are available for the protection of plant assets.
With careful engineering, impact resistant ceramics can be used in high impact zones using modern ceramic technology. Properly selected and properly installed, ceramics will provide a tough wear resistant lining for protection against abrasion and impact.
Basalt, on the other hand, is widely used in coal washing plant process pipes with varying degrees of success. Basalt is normally not used for the lining of bends, 'T' pieces or reducers due to the reduced wear resistance compared to alumina ceramic. The advantage is a much reduced initial capital cost.
A patented ceramic composite non-return valve solved an old problem encountered in the operation of medium sumps. The design approach overcomes the lack of functionality of alternative designs and reduces valve wear while preventing medium settlement during plant shutdown periods.
Direct bonded ceramic pulley lagging is becoming the industry norm, eliminating most of the problems encountered with conventional pulley lagging systems.

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