To eliminate the need for grinding and cutting when removing used liner plates, wear-resistant chromium carbide- (CrC-) clad liner plates manu- facturer Rio-Carb launched its rapid removal (RR) spanner last month.

Rio-Carb director Martin Maine explains that all liner plates used in mining chutes are sacrificial and eventually have to be removed, owing to wear rust, corrosion and the build-up of crud.

“Rio-Carb understands the problems that come with the fitting and removal of liners.

“Removing bolts from liner plates usually involves two operators handling gas-cutting equipment and grinders, often at dangerous heights. Usually, an extra person is needed to climb into the liner plate chute, which can be a dangerous exercise,” he states.

Maine points out that the RR system eliminates the need for an extra operator to work inside the chute during the liner removal process. “The entire operation is done from the outside, thereby, improving turnaround times, while reducing labour costs and the risk of injury,” he says, adding that the RR system incorporates a specialised M16 countersunk nibbed bolt and removal tool.

“The bolt is CrC, hard-faced and galvanised. The removal tool prevents the bolt from turning, while the nut is being threaded off,” Maine explains.

He adds that Rio-Carb has also developed a machined plasma-cut countersunk hole-cutting system that requires no insert, where the hard-faced head of the anchoring bolt forms a flush surface of hard CrC for minimum flow disturbance.

Maine states that the Rio-Carb RR system serves as a complementary add-on to the company’s industry-leading CrC liner plates.

“Using MaxCS Technology, Rio-Carb can take the properties of CrC and cast it through a welding process onto a mild steel backing plate, which gives it an improved hardness of 60 RC, with flexibility for moulding and shaping,” he states.

Rio-Carb’s CrC plates have been proven in laboratory testing to provide up to ten times the wear-resistance against abrasion than the industry-standard 400 BHN and 500 BHN steels, which are also susceptible to annealing when heated to 250 °C or more.

Maine highlights that the RR system will be incorporated into the price of the CrC liners’ holes, thereby, providing the end- user with a comprehensive liner kit.

“The RR bolts are supplied with the removal tool at no extra cost, which will lower costs, as the liners are now supplied as a complete kit that includes countersunk nib hard-faced bolts, nuts and washers.”

Maine believes that the introduction of the RR system to the local market will con- solidate Rio-Carb’s reputation for being recognised as a provider of liner plate solutions for heavy materials handling applications in the mining and resources industries.

“Continuous technological innovation has resulted in measurable and consistent growth for Rio-Carb. The introduction of the RR system is another step forward in our quest for the development and supply of liner plate solutions,” he concludes.