Case study: Wear analysis of the middle plate of a heavy-load scraper conveyor chute under a range of operating conditions

The wear characteristics and related mechanisms of the middle plate of a coal conveyor chute were investigated. Multiple sets of wear tests were performed in order to simulate the range in working conditions of the super heavy-load scraper conveyor. Three compositions of mixed material (coal, gangue and water) were tested at different contact pressures and sliding speeds. The results indicate that the wear loss of the middle plate increases with the contact pressure and sliding speed with the same composition mixed material. In addition, the wear loss shows a decreasing trend with an increase in the mass ratio of water, coal and gangue at a specific contact pressure and sliding speed. Based on the substantial analysis of experimental data, interaction technique, modern tribology theory, and the appearance of the samples after the experiment, a statistical wear mechanism distribution diagram of the middle plate was constructed. This diagram is divided into three regions: a slight wear region, a moderate wear region and a severe wear region. The dominant wear mechanism was verified with the observed wear morphology of the middle plate after a given length of time. Therefore, this approach is proposed to be valid and practical. They provide a reliable theoretical basis and technical support for the design, use, and maintenance of the middle plate, the chute, and the entire scraper conveyor.