Rubber Linings
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Rubber Linings in Mining and Industry: Applications, Benefits & Manufacturing
Rubber linings are protective layers made of natural or synthetic rubber compounds applied to the internal surfaces of equipment to shield them from abrasive, corrosive, and impact-related damage. They are a proven solution for increasing the operational life of machinery used in harsh industrial environments, especially in mining, mineral processing, chemical plants, power generation, and wastewater treatment.
Key Applications:
- Mining & Mineral Processing:
- Chutes & Hoppers: Absorb impact and resist abrasive wear from bulk material flow.
- Slurry Pipelines: Protect against erosion caused by high-velocity slurry.
- Cyclones and Hydrocyclones: Reduce wear in high-pressure environments.
- Mill Linings (Ball Mills & SAG Mills): Cushion grinding media and reduce noise.
- Chemical & Fertilizer Industries:
- Tanks and Vessels: Prevent corrosion from acids, alkalis, and solvents.
- Scrubbers & Reactors: Withstand chemically aggressive gases and liquids.
- Power Plants & Steel Plants:
- Flue gas ducting and ash handling systems: Extend the life of handling systems exposed to ash and hot gases.
- Water & Wastewater Treatment:
- Clarifiers, sedimentation tanks, and pipelines: Prevent rust and degradation from continuous exposure to water and chemicals.
Types of Rubber Linings:
- Hot Bonded Rubber Linings:
- Vulcanized in autoclaves or steam chambers.
- Strong adhesion and excellent mechanical strength.
- Ideal for high-pressure and high-temperature applications.
- Cold Bonded Rubber Linings:
- Applied using adhesives without heat curing.
- Faster installation and cost-effective.
- Suited for on-site repairs and maintenance.
- Pre-Vulcanized Rubber Sheets:
- Factory-cured sheets applied with special adhesives.
- Offer predictable chemical resistance and consistency.
Manufacturing & Installation Process:
- Surface Preparation:
The base metal surface is cleaned by grit blasting to ensure maximum adhesion and removal of contaminants. - Adhesive Application:
Specialized primers and bonding agents are applied to the surface to create a strong bond between metal and rubber. - Rubber Application:
Depending on the method, rubber sheets are either applied cold (using adhesives) or hot (cured via vulcanization). - Curing Process:
For hot-bonded linings, the component is placed in an autoclave or steamed to vulcanize the rubber. For cold bonding, curing occurs at ambient temperatures over several hours. - Inspection & Quality Testing:
Spark testing, hardness checks, and thickness measurements are performed to ensure durability and performance.
Benefits of Rubber Linings:
- Abrasion Resistance: Extends the lifespan of equipment handling rough materials.
- Corrosion Protection: Shields steel components from chemical damage.
- Noise Reduction: Damps sound in vibrating or grinding machinery.
- Cost Savings: Reduces maintenance, downtime, and replacement costs.
- Customizability: Available in different hardness levels, thicknesses, and formulations tailored to specific industrial needs.
Rubber linings are a critical part of industrial wear protection strategies. Their versatility in application, combined with high durability and cost-efficiency, make them essential for protecting capital equipment in demanding environments. Whether hot bonded, cold bonded, or pre-vulcanized, choosing the right rubber lining solution can drastically improve equipment performance and longevity.
