Reduction or Elimination of Abrasion, Wear, and Corrosion in Backfill Equipment

摘要

Backfill systems have been used for as long as mining activities have existed. Various backfill methods have been developed over the centuries with consideration for geological necessities, the technical means available, security requirements, and available finances. In the past, backfill systems were introduced and upgraded geographically in accordance with local experiences. In modern times, mining engineers participate in international forums for the exchange of knowledge so that backfill techniques and experiences are shared concurrently in mining areas all over the world. Mine backfilling increases the cost of mining so that great attention must be paid to choose a low-cost, reliable, and low maintenance backfill system. Some methods are described in this paper. Backfill usually consists of crushed material with hard, sharp edges that cause abrasion and wear on all surfaces that are in contact with it In addition, most operations have to work under wet or humid conditions so that corrosion is another aspect to be considered. For many years, abrasion resistant linings based on molten and cast materials like fused cast basalt or corundum and ceramic-based materials have shown outstanding performance toward reducing the maintenance costs associated with abrasive wear and corrosion. In some instances, the combination of ceramic-based linings in the material sliding zone and special alloy castings in the material impact zone have proven to greatly extend equipment life and provide a relatively maintenance-free backfill system.