This sector handles the spectrum of abrasive and erosive materials which come into contact with metal surfaces during waste collection, transport and shredding. They range from concrete, vehicle metal and tyres, through wood, plastic and glass, to mixed domestic refuse and sewage. Processing of non-recyclable waste ends with incineration, in which equipment surfaces are subjected to i.e. corrosion.
Large pieces of hard material are broken into smaller ones using crushing, tearing and shredding machines. These tend to have rotating shafts armed with cutting discs, blades, knives, teeth or hammers, which may become blunt and worn out of shape.
Machinery used to transport, compress, mix or pump materials within processing plants is often based on a screw principle. Wear can affect the geometry and hence the functionality of its large screw structures. Other forms of material transport with wear issues include trucks, dumpsters, grapples, chutes, conveyors and pipes. In incinerator set-ups, interior surfaces of boilers and pipework are especially prone to corrosion.
The most obvious ill-effect of wear in these systems is shortened component life, leading to replacement, repair and labour expense. Failure of components during operation, resulting in unplanned downtime, is especially costly and inconvenient. Importantly, it should be recognised that a worn part performs less efficiently, so energy consumption is higher. This not only adds to running costs but increases carbon emissions.
Wearfacing – or hardfacing as it is sometimes known – answers these issues. As well as extending the life of parts and equipment, it maintains their original shape, dimensions and other qualities for optimum performance and energy efficiency. Wearfacing treatments can be applied during original manufacture or assembly of the equipment. Alternatively, they can be added as part of a repair and restoration process, giving parts a second life and better protection for the future.