Thermovacuum fixation of ceramic lining

Over 27 years of service, the reusable Space Shuttle Discovery flew 39 space missions. During every launch, the main load was borne by the orbiter's outer skin made of durable ceramic tiles. Each tile was assigned a unique identification number and bonded with a heat-resistant adhesive able to withstand enormous pull-off loads of up to 112 MPa.

Technologists at WEARTECH, together with the Ukrainian company Termolit-Invest, have developed a thermovacuum fixation system for wear-resistant shaped lining elements based on zirconium oxide, aluminum oxide, silicon carbides and other ceramics. The system protects process equipment against various types of wear and achieves a pull-off strength of at least 115 MPa.

Thermovacuum fixation technology has proven to be a highly efficient process that keeps key performance indicators stable regardless of the substrate, be it steel, cast iron or other mineral and non-mineral materials. It provides effective protection for mill fan blades, exhauster volutes and the impellers of dredge and gravel pumps, as well as other process equipment, by means of fine-segment shaped ceramic lining.

After bonding and heat treatment using this technology, the equipment and lining are ready for service within the shortest possible time with no loss of strength properties.

Using a vacuum when fixing fine-segment ceramic lining with a special adhesive offers several key advantages:

• The vacuum helps remove air from beneath the ceramic segments and the adhesive layer, which is essential to prevent air bubbles that impair the bonding properties of the adhesive.
• The vacuum applies uniform pressure over the entire surface of the ceramic segments, ensuring that they sit tightly against the surface and preventing displacement or gaps.
• The vacuum improves adhesive penetration into microcracks and pores on the equipment surface and on the back of the ceramic segments, which increases the bond strength.
• The vacuum accelerates the polymerization of the adhesive and makes it more uniform, especially when a heat-resistant adhesive is used, which improves the efficiency and speed of the fixation process.
• Under vacuum, external factors such as moisture and oxygen are excluded; these can adversely affect the polymerization of the adhesive and cause the ceramic segments to shift.

In conclusion, a successful thermovacuum fixation procedure for fine-segment ceramic lining requires careful preparation, proper selection of materials, control of conditions and compliance with all process recommendations. Every stage of the process deserves attention to ensure the durability and reliable attachment of the lining to process equipment.

WEARTECH experts have the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to perform thermovacuum fixation of ceramic lining to a high standard and effectively protect your process equipment.

Key advantages

• Fixation system for wear-resistant shaped elements based on zirconium oxide, aluminum oxide and silicon carbide
• Pull-off strength of at least 115 MPa
• Jointly developed by WEARTECH and Termolit-Invest (Ukraine)
• Protection of process equipment against various types of wear