Abrasion Resistance Tests UHMWPE vs HDPE, By Using Iteration of the Darmstadt Test Method

Abrasion, can be a major cause for concern in mining slurry transport systems in long-term operation. This abrasion is caused by the transport of water and solids in the pipe system over time and eventually results in wear of the inner walls of the pipe.

 

Abrasion, can be a major cause for concern in mining slurry transport systems in long-term operation. This abrasion is caused by the transport of water and solids in the pipe system over time and eventually results in wear of the inner walls of the pipe. The rate and severity of the wear depends on the properties of the abrasive material such as the granulometry, chemical composition, the speed at which the abrasive material passes through the pipe, among others.

 

The Darmstadt Abrasion Resistance Test attempts to simulate the abrasion and resulting wear of liners and pipes that would occur in actual operating conditions. A specified in the DIN EN 295 (Vitrified clay pipes, fittings and pipe joints for drains and sewers; part 3: test methods), the pipe section being tested should be 1m in length and filled with a mixture of sand, gravel, and water. The specimen is then placed in a testing rig that tilts the subject in alternating axial directions at an angle of 22.5°. This process is carried out for a minimum of 100,000 cycles before readings are taken and recorded.

 

China standard QB/T5101 is made with reference to the above method, in order to compare abrasion resistance performance between UHMWPE pipes and HDPE pipes.

 

Key points about this abrasion resistance test method:

 

Principle:

The test consists of repeatedly and alternately tilting a circular pipe section containing a sand/gravel/water mixture in a test jig for a specific number of cycles. The resulting wear is then measured and recorded at regular intervals at the middle section of the test specimen.

 

Measurement:

After the test, the pipe sample is cleaned and weighed to determine the weight loss / wall thickness loss due to abrasion.

 

Variables to control:

Size and type of abrasive particles: 2-4mm particles weight ratio 47%, 4-8mm particle 15%, 8-16mm particles 18%, 16-32mm particles 20%

Rolling speed:20 times rotation per min.

 

Test duration: 100,000 times, 200,000 times, 300,000 times, 400,000 times, 500,000 times, 600,000 times, 700,000 times, 800,000 times, 900,000 times, 1 million times.

 

Here is some screen shots of this test:

 

 

 

 

This is one of the result regarding wall thickness wear loss: