Extending Pipe Life in Copper Mining with Devcon® Wear Guard™

At a copper mine, transfer pipes responsible for transporting copper ore slurry to the froth flotation machine were experiencing severe internal wear. Due to the highly abrasive nature of the slurry, the inner linings of the pipes deteriorated quickly. Without an effective repair solution, the mine was forced to frequently replace corroded pipes, leading to:

• High maintenance costs
• Increased equipment downtime
• Reduced operational efficiency

These recurring issues were negatively impacting the plant’s productivity and profitability.

Solution: Devcon® Wear Guard™ Fine Load

To address this challenge, Devcon Wear Guard Fine Load was selected due to its exceptional wear resistance in abrasive environments.

Application Process

1. Surface Preparation:
   The internal surface of the pipe elbow was thoroughly cleaned and abraded to expose white metal, ensuring maximum adhesion.
2. Epoxy Application:
   Devcon Wear Guard Fine Load was applied to the internal pipe surfaces using simple, straightforward steps easily performed by in-house personnel.
3. Finishing:
   The coated surface was smoothed with acetone to create a uniform finish, reducing turbulence and further minimizing wear.

Results

Extended Equipment Service Life

By applying Devcon’s industrial-grade epoxy coating, the internal surfaces of the transfer pipes were protected from abrasion and corrosion. This significantly extended the service life of the equipment—even under continuous exposure to abrasive slurry.

Reduced Maintenance Downtime

The need for frequent pipe replacement was eliminated. Only minor recoating was required during scheduled maintenance, greatly reducing unplanned downtime and boosting overall plant productivity.

Easy, On-Site Application

Unlike pipe replacements that required full system shutdowns and external contractors, the Devcon repair system could be applied in-situ by plant personnel. This simplified the repair process, cut labor costs, and reduced equipment downtime.

Conclusion

Devcon Wear Guard Fine Load delivered a durable, cost-effective solution to a persistent wear problem in a harsh mining environment. The result was longer-lasting equipment, reduced operational interruptions, and a streamlined maintenance process—all contributing to improved plant performance and lower operating costs.