Optimizing ball mill feed chute longevity through targeted repair of wear plate interfaces

A leading copper and gold mining operation in Indonesia uses ball mills to process iron ore. The feed chutes of these mills are lined with wear plates, which are subjected to severe abrasion. This occurs as ore particles become lodged between the liners and the underlying mother plate, causing accelerated wear and reducing the service life of the chute components.

After carefully cleaning and preparing the surface to ensure optimal adhesion, the areas between the ceramic tiles were meticulously rebuilt using Loctite^® PC 7218 Wearing Compound. This high-performance compound was chosen for its excellent resistance to abrasion and impact, providing a durable and long-lasting repair solution. By restoring these critical gaps, the integrity of the wear protection system was reinforced, helping to prevent further damage and extend the service life of the feed chutes in this demanding mining environment.

Maintenance Crew Endorsement: The application earned full approval from the maintenance team, who commended the outstanding results. The durable repair restored the feed chute’s wear resistance and led to a significant reduction in downtime and maintenance frequency, proving itself as a reliable and highly effective solution in the demanding mining environment.