Industrial extraction of mineral resources would be inconceivable without highly efficient mineral processing and treatment technologies. Whether in wet or dry separation processes such as flotation, these production plants are exposed to extremely high flow rates, abrasive slurries and significant mechanical wear.
Processing plants often operate in remote and demanding environments where reliable equipment operation is critical. Abrasive minerals, high-velocity slurries and constant particle impact can quickly damage steel components and reduce process efficiency.
MetaLine elastomeric coating systems provide durable surface protection that significantly extends the service life of mineral processing equipment. The seamless elastomer lining absorbs mechanical impact energy while protecting steel structures from abrasion, erosion and corrosion.
Unlike traditional natural rubber linings, the MetaLine synthetic spray elastomer creates a completely seamless protective layer that eliminates joints, weak points and potential areas of delamination.
Typical failure mechanisms in mineral processing plants
- Abrasion caused by high-solid mineral slurries
- Erosion from high-velocity particle streams
- Impact wear from coarse mineral particles
- Corrosion from chemically aggressive process environments
- Material fatigue from vibration and mechanical loads
These extreme conditions continuously attack internal equipment surfaces and often lead to premature material loss, reduced efficiency and frequent maintenance shutdowns.
Why elastomeric coatings work
MetaLine Series 700 elastomeric coatings are specifically designed to absorb mechanical energy while maintaining strong adhesion to steel substrates.
Unlike rigid ceramic or metallic linings, elastomeric coatings deform elastically under particle impact, preventing brittle fracture and reducing progressive wear of the underlying steel.
Typical advantages include:
- Seamless protective lining without joints or seams
- Excellent resistance to abrasion and slurry erosion
- High elasticity and impact resistance
- Strong adhesion to steel surfaces
- Long service life in highly abrasive environments
Depending on operating conditions, coating thickness typically ranges between approximately 2 mm and 10 mm (80–400 mils).
Typical components and applications
MetaLine coatings are widely used throughout mineral processing and treatment facilities including:
- Flotation cells and flotation equipment
- Slurry pumps and pump housings
- Process pipelines and pipe bends
- Screening decks and separation equipment
- Spiral concentrators
- Attritor mills and wet crushing equipment
- Thickeners and concentrators
- Process tanks and slurry handling systems
These systems are commonly used in mining operations processing minerals such as iron ore, copper, gold, aggregates and other bulk materials.
Application limits
MetaLine elastomeric coatings provide excellent protection against abrasion and slurry erosion, but application limits must always be considered.
Typical limits include:
- Continuous operating temperatures above approximately 80 °C (175 °F)
- Strong oxidizing chemical environments
- Surfaces contaminated with oils or residues without proper preparation
- Equipment exposed to excessive structural deformation or thermal cycling
Proper coating selection and thickness should always be evaluated based on the specific mechanical, thermal and chemical loads of the application.
Related MetaLine Solutions
- Protective coatings for pump casings
- Protective coatings for pump impellers
- Wear protection for cyclones, separators and sifters
- Wear protection for screening machines
- Protective coatings for screens and filters
- Abrasion protection for pipes and conveyors
- Wear protection for centrifuges and decanters
