INTERNATIONAL
CASE STUDY: REMASLIDE anticaking lining solves problem in the fertiliser industry
In the manufacturing of phosphate fertilisers, the intermediate products form sticky masses that adhere to equipment surfaces leading to reduced throughputs and corrosion of metallic components. To improve the service life of the rake arms used in the manufacturing process, REMASLIDE UHMWPE sheets were offered as an alternative solution.
CHALLENGES:
The rake arms, which were previously uncoated, had a service life of only six months due to the build-up of self-adhering, sticky masses. These materials are also acidic in nature, leading to corrosion of metallic components. The customer required a solution that could reduce sticking, resist acid media, and directly bond to the steel components.
THE SOLUTION:
REMASLIDE UHMWPE sheets were identified as an effective alternative solution due to their low surface energy, which reduces sticking, and their resistance to acid media. The sheets were directly bonded to the steel components using the REMABOND adhesive system, which facilitates installation with the RTT CN backing layer. The individual REMASLIDE components were cut to size on a five-axis CNC and bonded to the rake arm using Remabond BC3004. To finish off the lining, an HDPE seal was applied using a plastic welding machine over the exposed rubber and steel surfaces around the edges.
THE RESULTS:
Two years later, the REMASLIDE rake arms are still in service, and some mechanical damage was readily required in situ. The use of REMASLIDE UHMWPE sheets has improved the service life of the rake arms and reduced maintenance costs associated with frequent replacement of the uncoated rake arms. Additionally, the customer has seen an increase in productivity due to the reduced build-up of sticky materials and improved flow of fines.
REMASLIDE UHMWPE sheets are a good all-around solution to reducing the build-up of sticky materials and promoting the flow of fines. They are ideal for use in chutes, hoppers, skirt boards, truck bodies, and specialty mixing equipment. In the manufacturing of phosphate fertilisers, the use of REMASLIDE UHMWPE sheets has proven to be an effective solution in improving equipment service life and reducing maintenance costs associated with frequent replacement of uncoated equipment.