While chute design tends to be ubiquitous, the fact that minerals-processing plants cater for a diverse array of commodities means that there are equally diverse requirements in terms of wear solutions.
In order to overcome this challenge, Rio-Carb aims to become involved in projects at a much earlier stage, preferably at plant design. “This affords us the opportunity to provide input about the use of various wear materials, their correct application, and their behaviour from an operational point of view,” explains director, Sias Suurd.
Older minerals-processing plants have often been designed with a specific type of wear material in mind, without due consideration given to wear characteristics. “The flow rate of the material in question through a chute or over a screen invariably alters over time as wear accelerates. The best option to deal with this long-term issue is CrC,” he states.
Sias argues that project houses have traditionally focused on cost, which does not always equate to the best solution. “While CrC is a much more expensive material than quenched and tempered steel, for example, it has ten to 12 times more wear resistance. Therefore it is a far superior product.
“Our main challenge is to explain the role that CrC can play in reducing the total cost of ownership. Minerals-processing plant operators have to ensure maximum productivity for the greatest period. This means that utilisation and availability are critical factors, which is where our total wear-solutions approach offers the greatest value proposition for our clients,” he concludes.
Rio-Carb
www.riocarb.com
