MATERIALS HANDLING
but conveyor belts and loaders are also a great example of two pieces of equipment made of different materials that suffer from similar damage. Both assets carry and transport lithium and other solid materials. During this phase of the lithium mining process, the assets endure harsh wear and tear, damaging their integrity. Holes will appear in conveyor belts and metal loss will slowly abrade the surface of the loader. Belzona can provide a quick return-
to-service with the Belzona 2000 series, a product line engineered to repair flexible components. Tears and abrasions on conveyor belts are repaired without the need for hot work with the company’s elastomer products which provide a much-needed increase in durability, elasticity, and tear resistance. Additionally, loaders and other
Pump repaired with Belzona 1111 (Super Metal) after suffering from corrosion due to saltwater medium
solution high in minerals, especially salt. Brine accelerates corrosion because of an increase in dissolved ions, which allows electrons to move freely between the brine and metal substrate causing rust. A metal object does not need to be submerged for corrosion to occur as increased moisture in the air and salt spray can also rust metal substrates. A manufactured paint or coating can
stop corrosion because it can prevent the ions from interacting with the metal substrate. Belzona polymeric coatings are applied on various substrates from aluminium, steel, iron, and more to stop the materials from corroding. During lithium mining, equipment,
and assets often find themselves in the presence of brine or moisture. A pump is used to transport brine from the underground reservoir to the evaporation pools. The pump can suffer from rust and corrosion due to the mineral-rich water; however, a Belzona 1000 series coating can prevent the piece from corroding. The coatings also repair the piece
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as specific products such as metal repair epoxy paste, Belzona 1111 (Super Metal), and corroded metal repair material, Belzona 1121 (Super XL-Metal) can help rebuild metal loss. Rebuilding can reduce the need for a new part especially the downtime from waiting for a new part. Other equipment in contact with
water or moisture such as froth flotation cells, pressure leaching tanks, filters, centrifuges, evaporators, mixers-settlers/ extraction columns, and electrolysis equipment can all potentially be coated with a Belzona 1000 series to protect them from further corrosion and replacement.
SOLVING ABRASION AND PHYSICAL IMPACT The equipment may become physically damaged also as it deals with rough materials such as mineral particles of varying sizes. The particles can slowly deteriorate the surface of metal or rubber equipment. Pumps are an example of equipment that is physically damaged by solid particles,
metal equipment such as filters, haul trucks, drills, crushers, and grinding mills can be coated with the 1000 series to rebuild metal substrates that have abraded. Belzona 1311 (Ceramic R-Metal) and other products in the range can rebuild the equipment’s surface while safeguarding it from further abrasion. The coating creates a sturdy barrier between the rough material and the substrate, and it is reinforced by the composition of the coating.
CHEMICAL-RESISTANT COATINGS Reagents are an important part of lithium mining. Usually, these reagents are strong chemicals like sulphuric acid. Additionally, depending on the mining process, it can involve high- temperature reactions. Coatings in the 1000 and 4000 series include products to protect assets during high-temperature operations or with chemicals. If there is a high concentration of sulphuric acid (98%) then Belzona 4311 or Belzona 4341 would be an appropriate choice. Lower concentrations can be resisted with other 4000 series coatings; however, any coating performance is highly dependent on temperature. Belzona 1511 (Super HT-Metal) or
Belzona 1813 offer high-temperature resistance of up to 150°C and 200°C respectively. They have been formulated to protect metal surfaces
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