The Control Of Corrosion And Abrasion In Coal-Preparation Plants ? Introduction

Repairing and replacing equipment damaged by corrosion and abrasion is a major cost throughout industry, especially in the coal mining industry. Careful study of corrosion and abrasion, and their causes and effects, often leads to the selection of alternative materials which can provide economies. What, actually, are corrosion and abrasion and how do they contribute to the cost of operating a coal-preparation plant? Furthermore, what can be done to alleviate corrosion and abrasion problems and thereby reduce operating costs? These questions will be answered in the following discussion, which will describe the destructive action of corrosion and abrasion and give several methods for controlling corrosion and abrasion losses, These methods include the substitution of stainless steel for carbon steel, the use of corrosion inhibitors, and the use of design to eliminate corrosion and abrasion. Examples will be given illustrating the benefits that have resulted in plant tests when these methods of controlling corrosion and abrasion were used.