Study on agitator resistance to hydroabrasive wear

Abstract

Resistance of structural materials used in the mining industry to hydroabrasive wear is one of the key factors for the durability of many mechanisms, especially agitators. When mixing concentrated slurries, rotating agitator elements interact with suspended abrasive particles of the rock. Inadequate selection of structural materials for these elements causes frequent replacements due to hydroabrasive wear and related process shutdowns. Hydroabrasive wear by solid particles occurs as a result of cyclic impacts of fine solid particles entrained in a gas or liquid flow and striking the surface of a solid body. The mechanical action of these particles is similar to abrasion and includes plastic deformation and brittle fracture. In addition to hydroabrasive wear, exposure to chemicals leads to corrosive wear. Material resistance to corrosion depends on many factors related to both the material and the corrosive solution. This paper presents the results of a study of resistance of various materials to hydroabrasive wear in a corrosive and abrasive environment. Samples made in the form of 3–4 mm thick rectangular plates were selected for the study. St3sp and 12Kh18N10T grade steels were used, as well as a composite material consisting of glass fiber and polymer binders. The test results show that resistance of the composite material is much superior to that of metal samples. This is mainly due to the inertness of polymeric materials to corrosion.