The impact of high-performance adhesives and protective coatings on mining equipment longevity is often dependent on the job conditions. The mining sector operates under very harsh conditions, requiring equipment to endure significant types of abrasion, impacts, and corrosion. Ensuring longevity in mining machines is crucial for maintaining efficiency, lowering costs, and minimizing interruptions in operations.

The use of high-quality, impact-resistant, erosion, and corrosion-resistant coatings in mining equipment repair and protection is required for the industry. These coatings act as a protective barrier, minimizing wear and tear on critical machinery exposed to the harsh environments. By applying these coatings, mining operators can reduce downtime caused by equipment failure and maintenance, significantly improving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The longevity these coatings provide means that the mining equipment can continue performing at peak levels, even in the most demanding conditions, such as high temperatures, abrasive environments, and exposure to corrosive chemicals. This leads to better overall performance, fewer replacements of expensive parts, and ultimately, an increase in the overall productivity of mining operations.

Boosting Wear Resistance

Mining machinery is subjected to extreme conditions, often involving continuous exposure to harsh, abrasive environments. The constant wear from the interaction with rocks, minerals, and soil leads to degradation in vital parts like conveyor belts, chutes, and mills. Over time, this wear will reduce the machinery’s efficiency, increase maintenance costs, and shorten the operational lifespan of key components. High-performance coatings, such as those enriched with ceramic, polymer, or metal fillers, are essential in combating this issue.

These coatings form a protective barrier, or sacrificial coating, on metal surfaces, significantly reducing the effects of friction and impacts that cause wear. In particular, chute wear, ball mills, and agitators, which are prone to high levels of abrasive wear, benefit greatly from these coatings, as they help to prevent erosion and material degradation, allowing for extended peak efficiency and better maintenance scheduling. ITW Devcon provides a wide selection of wear protection options with its Wear Guard^® and DFense Blok^® product lines, including Devcon wear products that offer superior abrasion resistance.

Protecting Against Corrosion

Corrosion in mining is a critical challenge, particularly in areas exposed to wet environments, chemicals and other harsh environments where such exposures are common. Equipment that comes into contact with acidic substances, wastewater, or oxidizing agents can deteriorate quickly, compromising structural integrity and risking equipment failures.

High-quality coatings made with epoxy and polyurethane provide a protective barrier against these corrosive elements. High quality metal epoxy coatings are known for inhibiting oxidation, decreasing the chances of rust development and extending the operational life of equipment in harsh settings.

The Devcon brand offers several epoxy corrosion protection solutions through products such as the Brushable Ceramic^® and Ceramic Putty^®. High performance polyurethane coatings such as the Devcon Flexane^® product families provide flexibility, abrasion resistance, and weatherproofing, all of which further enhances the durability of equipment in harsh environments.

By investing in these corrosion protection products, mining operations can save on maintenance costs and reduce the likelihood of equipment failure, ensuring both safety and productivity.

Increasing Impact Resistance

Mining operations frequently encounter impacts from heavy weights, falling debris, and continued strong vibrations that will harm equipment over time. Without proper protection, all these modes of frequent impact manifest into cracks, dents, or breaks in essential components, ruining efficiency. Advanced coatings containing elastomeric or ceramic support materials, act as shock absorber to better distribute force evenly, decreasing mechanical strain on key machines.

Improved impact resistance helps keep mining equipment structurally intact and dependable, reducing the risk of unexpected failures. ITW Performance Polymers Devcon has a diverse range of impact protection products with its Korrobond^®, Wear Guard, and DFense Blok lines, offering specialized mining adhesive solutions for heavy machinery repair.

Reducing Maintenance Expenses and Downtime

By utilizing high-quality coatings, mining companies can not only save on repair and maintenance costs but also ensure smoother operations over the long term. Frequent equipment malfunctions and replacements disrupt mining activities, leading to lost income. By incorporating protective coatings from Devcon, mining companies will enhance the lifespan of their assets, better manage maintenance schedules, and decrease operational costs. The ability to extend the life of the critical equipment is key, as the downtime associated with malfunctions can be costly, increased longevity of coated machines translates to fewer service interruptions and improved efficiency in mining operations.

With enhanced lifespan of machinery, companies can allocate their resources more efficiently, avoid unexpected budget spikes for repairs, and potentially reallocate those savings into other operational improvements or investments. It’s a win-win for both the operational and financial health of the company.

Conclusion

High-performance coatings represent a crucial investment for mining companies aiming to prolong the life of their equipment and enhance operational efficiency. By protecting machinery from wear, corrosion, and impact damage, these coatings help lower maintenance expenses, decrease downtime, and boost productivity. Whether through Devcon wear products, mining adhesive solutions, or impact-resistant coatings, companies can ensure their mining equipment remains in peak condition for longer periods, reducing the need for frequent equipment maintenance and heavy machinery repair.

By: Alessandro Grazia, Business Development Manager