Full definition
Abrasion-resistant linings are essential protective coatings applied to the interior surfaces of material handling equipment in industrial applications, particularly in mining and mineral processing. These linings are designed to safeguard the structural integrity of chutes, hoppers, cyclones, pipes, mixer drums, and transfer points against the erosive and abrasive wear caused by the flow of materials. The selection of the appropriate lining material is critical and is influenced by various factors, including the type of wear mechanism, the size and nature of the conveyed material, and operational conditions such as flow velocity and temperature.
There are several material options for abrasion-resistant linings, each tailored for specific wear scenarios. Natural rubber (NR) linings, with a hardness range of 35-60 Shore A and thicknesses of 6-50 mm, are well-suited for applications involving high-impact and gouging abrasion from large particles. These linings can offer a lifespan that is 5-10 times longer than that of steel in impact zones, and they are typically installed using adhesive bonding or bolt-on panels.
Alumina ceramic tiles, composed of 92-99% Al₂O₃ and available in thicknesses of 10-50 mm, excel in mitigating fine-particle sliding abrasion at low angles. These tiles can extend the service life of the underlying steel by 10-20 times. Another effective solution is rubber-backed ceramic composites, which combine the sliding resistance of ceramics with the impact absorption properties of rubber, making them ideal for applications experiencing both types of wear. For severe sliding abrasion with moderate impact, chromium carbide overlay steel (CCO) linings, rated at 55-65 HRC, are often employed. Polyurethane linings, with a hardness of 85-95 Shore A, are recommended for fine abrasion in wet slurry environments, providing a lifespan 3-10 times that of traditional rubber. Lastly, for extreme point-wear applications such as nozzles and spray tips, tungsten carbide coatings, whether applied via high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) or as weld overlays, are the preferred choice. Proper selection of these materials requires a thorough understanding of the operational environment and the specific wear mechanisms at play.