Grinding Roll Wear-Resistant Surface Using Modular Metal Matrix Composite

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for improving wear resistance of high pressure grinding rolls, such as welding hard metallic layers or using hot isostatic pressing, are costly, limit material choices, and complicate field repairs.

Innovation Solution

A metal matrix composite with inorganic particles and hard elements is used, where the matrix material has a lower melting temperature than the inorganic particles, allowing for the creation of a wear-resistant surface that preferentially wears away to maintain gaps between hard elements, providing autogenous protection and easy repair.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If welding layers of hard metallic material onto the roll surface is used to improve wear resistance, then wear resistance is improved, but the process becomes time consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidprocess time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hard metallic material is pre-formed into shell segments with the desired geometry and hardening characteristics before being attached to the roll surface. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site welding operations, as the segments can be quickly installed using mechanical fastening methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses replaceable shell segments that can be easily removed and replaced when worn. Rather than permanently welding hard layers that require complex removal and reapplication, these segments function as disposable or semi-disposable components that simplify maintenance and reduce downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If welding layers of hard metallic material onto the roll surface is used to improve wear resistance, then wear resistance is improved, but the process becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The roll surface protection is divided into separate modular shell segments rather than applying a continuous welded layer. This segmentation allows each segment to be manufactured independently using cost-effective processes, and only the worn segments need to be replaced rather than the entire roll surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hard metallic material is extracted and pre-formed into separate shell segments that are then attached to the roll. This extraction approach separates the expensive hardening process from the roll itself, allowing the hard material to be optimized and manufactured separately at lower cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If hot isostatic pressing is used to fabricate rolls with hard projections, then wear resistance is improved, but expensive equipment is required and field repair becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidfield repairability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The roll surface is segmented into replaceable shell segments that can be independently removed and replaced in the field. This modular approach eliminates the need for complex hot isostatic pressing equipment at repair sites, as damaged segments can be quickly swapped out using simple mechanical fastening systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The roll surface protection transitions from a static, permanently bonded structure to a dynamic, replaceable system. The shell segments can be removed and replaced without specialized equipment, enabling rapid field repairs and extending the operational life of the roll through component replacement rather than complete re-manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If a wide range of materials is allowed for hard elements, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial selection rangeVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular shell segment design allows different materials to be used for different segments based on specific application requirements. Each segment can be optimized for its particular function or wear condition, and the standardized interface simplifies manufacturing despite material diversity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances wear resistance while allowing for cost-effective production with a wide range of materials and facilitating easy field repairs, improving the efficiency and durability of high pressure grinding rolls.

Implementation Method 1

heating the plurality of hard elements and the inorganic particles to an infiltrating temperature. The remainder space may be infiltrated with a matrix material comprising at least one of a molten metal and a molten metal alloy that has a melting temperature that is less than a melting temperature of the inorganic particles. The matrix material disposed in the remainder space is to solidify the matrix material and bind the hard elements and the inorganic particles in the article.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS9266171B2Grinding roll including wear resistant working surface
Publication Date: 2016.02.23 KENNAMETAL INC
  • US9266171B2 patent drawing
  • US9266171B2 patent drawing
  • US9266171B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A grinding roll includes a core comprising an external surface, and at least one wear resistant article adapted for use as a working surface that is removably attached to the external surface of the core. The at least one wear resistant article comprises a metal matrix composite comprising a plurality of inorganic particles dispersed in a metal matrix material comprising one of a metal and a metal alloy, and a plurality of hard elements interspersed in the metal matrix composite. The wear resistance of the metal matrix composite is less than the wear resistance of the hard elements.