Navigating the Complexity of Handling Challenging Abrasive Materials: A Manufacturer's Guide

Chemical manufacturers often need to navigate the bulk handling of abrasive materials, which present unique challenges due to their composition, properties, and handling requirements. From highly abrasive minerals to corrosive powders and everything in between, the complexity of these materials requires specialized knowledge and equipment. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most challenging and complex abrasive materials faced by manufacturers in bulk material handling environments.

Silica Sand

Silica sand is a common abrasive material used in various industries, including foundry operations, glassmaking, and hydraulic fracturing. However, its high silica content makes it highly abrasive, causing wear and tear on handling equipment such as conveyor belts, chutes, and hoppers.  

Additionally, silica dust generated during handling poses respiratory hazards for workers, requiring effective dust suppression measures.

Alumina

Alumina, a compound of aluminum and oxygen, is widely used in ceramics, refractories, and abrasive applications. Its abrasive nature can lead to equipment wear and erosion, particularly in pneumatic conveying systems and rotary valves. Handling alumina powder requires specialized equipment with abrasion-resistant components to withstand the abrasive effects and ensure reliable operation.

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Abrasive Blasting Media

Abrasive blasting media, such as garnet, aluminum oxide, and silicon carbide, are used for surface preparation, cleaning, and deburring in metalworking and surface finishing applications. These abrasive materials pose challenges in material handling due to their abrasive properties, irregular particle shapes, and potential for dust generation. Handling abrasive blasting media requires robust equipment designs and effective dust containment systems to minimize wear and protect worker health.  

Cement Clinker

Cement clinker, the nodules formed from raw materials during the cement manufacturing process, is highly abrasive and can cause wear on conveyor belts, silos, and kiln linings. Its abrasive nature poses challenges in material flow and handling, requiring durable equipment designs and wear-resistant components to withstand the abrasive effects and maintain operational efficiency.

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Zircon Sand

Zircon sand, a mineral commonly used in ceramics, refractories, and foundry applications, is highly abrasive and can cause wear on handling equipment. Its abrasive properties, combined with its high density and irregular particle shape, present challenges in material flow and conveying. Handling zircon sand requires specialized equipment designs and materials to minimize wear and ensure efficient material handling.

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Conclusion

Handling challenging and complex abrasive materials in manufacturing and bulk material handling environments requires specialized knowledge, equipment, and safety measures. By understanding the unique properties and challenges posed by abrasive materials such as silica sand, alumina, abrasive blasting media, cement clinker, and zircon sand, manufacturers can implement effective handling solutions to minimize wear, protect equipment, and ensure worker safety.

With over 50 years of experience in the bulk material handling industry, UniTrak is renowned for its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. UniTrak's diverse product portfolio, including TipTrak, UniFlex, PowderFlight, and Bagstander, reflects its versatility and capability to handle a wide range of materials and applications, including challenging and abrasive materials.

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