Corrosion is a common occurrence in the mining industry. Certain materials and pieces of equipment such as dragline and bucket wheel excavators that come in close contact with various underground elements are particularly susceptible. Polyurea protective coatings for corrosion control in the mining industry can help safeguard heavy machinery and extend its operational lifespan.
What Is Corrosion?
Pollution is one of the most common environmental and airborne factors that can lead to the corrosion and deterioration of metal mining equipment. But before you can protect your equipment from this naturally occurring phenomenon, it’s important to understand what corrosion is and how it develops.
The Association for Materials Protection and Performance defines corrosion as “the deterioration of a material (usually metal) that results from a chemical or electrochemical reaction with its environment”. Corrosion is typically the result of atmospheric oxidation and chemical reactions that lead to the development of rust on various surfaces. Rust also forms due to the combination of atmospheric moisture and direct exposure to external elements or chemicals over time.
Toxic chemicals and raw materials such as lead, uranium, mercury, cyanide, and sulfuric acid are commonly used in the mining industry and they can seriously damage heavy machinery.
The Harmful Effects of Corrosion on Mining Equipment
Mining companies invest a great deal of resources into securing top-quality machinery for their excavation projects. Corrosion can substantially damage even the most state-of-the-art mining equipment and cause it to break down or malfunction. Here are some of the most serious effects of corrosion on mining equipment.
Unsafe Working Conditions
Miners rely heavily on various types of machinery to function properly during excavations. Extensive corrosion breaks down materials such as metal compounds and can weaken the structural integrity of mining equipment, rendering it unstable. Not only does this expose miners to harmful chemicals, but it also makes for extremely dangerous working conditions that can lead to injuries and even death.
High Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement Costs
Water is a prevalent element in underground mining expeditions. Long-term exposure to water leads to corrosion and mining equipment failure. Severe damages to the internal mechanisms of mining equipment result in expensive maintenance and repair costs. Frequently replacing mining equipment due to corrosion also jeopardizes the financial stability of mining companies.
Polyurea Protective Coatings for Mining Equipment
Atmospheric chemical reactions that lead to corrosion may be one of the biggest challenges facing the mining industry, but that doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. Corrosion Control in the mining industry is possible with the use of polyurea protective coatings..
Triple action advanced spray-on polyurea protective coatings create a seamless waterproof and chemical-resistant barrier between equipment surfaces and external elements. This prevents corrosion and maximizes the operational lifespan of your mining equipment.
Read This Article Learn More: Polyurea Protective Coatings: a Game Changer in the Mining Industry
Purchase Protective Polyurea Coatings for Corrosion Control in the Mining Industry
IMC Distributors is one of the leading providers of industrial and commercial chemical-resistant coatings in Toronto, the GTA, and across North America. We provide various industries, including mining, with advanced polyurea protective coatings that are proven to work. Contact us today to learn about our products or to place an order.
