During the construction of a large cement manufacturing facility in Victoria, the tripper chute was identified as a critical transfer point within the bulk material handling system. The chute transfers abrasive materials such as clinker and slag from the wharf in-feed conveyor to storage silos, operating continuously to support production volumes of up to 1.3 million tonnes per annum.

Due to the high material throughput and abrasive nature of the product, the tripper chute was exposed to accelerated wear, posing risks to plant reliability, steelwork integrity, and maintenance frequency.

Key challenges included:
• Managing continuous abrasion from clinker and slag.
• Protecting critical transfer points from premature wear.
• Ensuring liner durability while accommodating complex chute geometry.
• Reducing maintenance intervention and liner change-outs.
• Delivering long-term wear protection in a high-capacity cement operation.

SOLUTION

To address these challenges, rubber-backed ceramic wear liners manufactured by Forech were supplied through our trusted channel partner Reglin Rubber (Australia).

As part of the plant’s original construction in 2022, Cera-Wear HR Ceramic Liners were installed as the primary wear protection lining within the tripper chute. The liners feature 92% alumina ceramic tiles embedded within a durable rubber matrix, providing a combination of exceptional abrasion resistance, impact absorption, and flexibility to suit the chute geometry.

Following proven performance in the tripper chute, the same liner solution was later extended to downstream chutes in collaboration with maintenance contractors, addressing accelerated wear in other high-wear transfer points.

OUTCOME

Since installation, the facility has achieved the following outcomes:
• Proven long-term wear protection in a critical transfer chute.
• Significant reduction in maintenance costs and liner change-outs.
• Improved plant reliability through extended wear life.
• Successful protection of steelwork in downstream chutes.
• Continued support for efficient, high-volume cement production.

CONCLUSION

By selecting Forech-manufactured Cera-Wear HR Ceramic Liners, supplied via Reglin Rubber (Australia), the cement manufacturing facility achieved durable, long-term wear protection in one of its most critical material handling applications. This case study demonstrates how engineered ceramic wear solutions can optimise plant reliability, reduce maintenance demands, and support sustainable cement production.