Mining sector : metal coating and wear resistance

In the mining industry, metal coating or “metallizing” is a great feature which enhance the wear resistance of equipment parts. During the process, mechanical parts are subject to extreme dust and metallic abrasion. Parts are also exposed to lixiviation agents that accelerate wear and equipment degradation.

Metal coating and mining equipment

Our team of veteran metallurgists possesses the abilities to realize thermal spray projects on a variety of equipment components such as:

  • Crushing hammers
  • Mineral transport conveyor
  • Mixers
  • Vents
  • Hydraulic cylinders
  • Duct
  • Lixivation tank
  • Bearing seat repair and/or value-added
  • Sealing seat repair and/or value-added

CASE STUDY

Acid reactor refurbishing

Quebec Lithium is a mining company located in the north of Quebec. They use a new lixiviation technology with equipment manufactured with exotic materials that must be resistant to acids, high temperature and abrasion environments. Because of the company remote location, they are subject to emergency repair and long delays.

The Metallitech input

Following a distress call, the team of Metallitech did study about the situation at Quebec Lithium. We rapidly put in place efficient metallic coating solutions. Within 7 days, the value-added parts were installed and ready to operate, compared to the estimated 20 weeks delay for complete part replacement alternative.

Tungsten carbide and nickel

We chose to apply our MET S-43 coating, which is a composite of tungsten carbide particles in a nickel matrix. This coating was designed for extreme abrasive conditions at temperatures above 200C in a 90% sulfuric acid atmosphere. Furthermore, in order to minimize production shutdown time, Metallitech sent a team onsite at Quebec Lithium to apply an industrial coating inside the reactor, while the other team welded the pales at our shop. Just one week after the customer’s first phone call, the reactor was ready to re-enter into production.

Fight degredation with thermal spray