Evaluation of Rock Particle Media Shape Contribution to Abrasive Wear

• Author / Creator

  Duncan, Steven M

• Chrome carbide samples prepared using submerged arc welding procedures were subjected to physical abrasion testing in a modified machine similar to the ASTM G65 standard, in an investigation of media particle shape contribution to abrasive wear. The primary intent of this study was to determine what correlation existed between abrasive media particle shape and abrasive wear rate, in a test that was designed to closely mimic field conditions, in order to better predict potential severity of abrasive wear. As secondary objectives, the uses of specific energy were to be examined, as well as the use of abrasive media angle of repose to determine particle shape characteristics. The investigation of specific energy was intended to be used in the extrapolation of lab results to field conditions, to better assist industry in the prediction and prevention of abrasive wear through improved testing. Abrasive media types utilized were: raw oil sand with bitumen fraction stripped, sand collected from an oil sand tailings beach, granite rock crushed to small particle sizes, and cube mould test sand. Normal force load was derived from field shovel excavator force data. Measured abrasive media shape parameters included form factor, form index, angularity index, convexity, angularity parameter, spike parameter quadratic fit and texture. All abrasive shape parameters displayed excellent correlation with abrasive wear rates; R2 coefficients for correlation between abrasive wear rate and shape parameters were 0.9966, 0.9241, 0.9825, 0.8901, 0.9422, 0.9476, and 0.8778, respectively. The particle size effect was particularly evident in testing with the tailings beach sand, where extremely low abrasive rates were found. Texture parameter was found to correlate closely with media angle of repose, suggesting it may be an easy, quick and effective way for industry to estimate shape parameters which heavily influenced abrasivity of media. Specific energy of lab and field tests were found to not be closely correlated, but still within an order of magnitude, suggesting that while it may still be an effective extrapolation method of lab results for industry, more investigation is required.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Abrasion testing
  • Abrasive wear
  • Shape analysis
  • Shovel force analysis
  • Specific energy
  • Oil sands
  • Shovel tooth wear
  • ASTM G65
  • Particle size effect
  • Image analysis
  • Mining
  • Particle shape

• Graduation date

  Fall 2016

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R33T9DC1V

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.