Tribological factual data base for the mining industry

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 80, No. 906, 1987

G. HUARD, J. PRINSEN, J. MASOUNAVE National Research Council Canada, J. MOLGAARD Memorial University of Newfoundland, and P. BEAULIEU, Matagami Division, Noranda Inc.

A study carried out on behalf of the National Research Council (NRC) indicates that economic losses due to wear in the Canadian mining industry are in excess of $700 million annually. Severe wear, mainly by abrasion, was identified as the most important wear mechanism in terms of possible savings. One way to reduce losses would be the proper use of databases. A joint project of The Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (CIM) and NRC (Tribology laboratories at IMR1) has been initiated to create a factual database containing all relevant experience in the area of wear in the Canadian mining industry. As a first step, a prototype covering slurry pumps is being built. This should help to answer many questions, such as the number of people involved, interest from industry, cost vs benefits, etc.

Keywords: Equipment, Maintenance, Computer applications, Data base, National Research Council Canada, Tribology, CIM, Economics.