Coatings have long played a dual role in operation. In addition to protecting the mill structure and preventing it from wearing out, the lining is largely responsible for shaking the load. Therefore, its shape, volume, angle, height and other characteristics directly influence the grinding process. And, therefore, it is increasingly important to monitor these parts in operation.
The wear behavior of coatings is a very complicated phenomenon to study (Metso has developed wear simulators, but will be discussed in another post), with empiricism as the main source of information. Therefore, inspections on coatings have always been very important "tools" for the design of new generations. A good analysis allows you to identify strengths (to be maintained in the next campaign) and weaknesses of the current campaign.
The paragraph above explains why we are always looking for improvements in inspection processes so that we increasingly have as much information as possible about wear. In addition, the quality of information is also important.
Methods such as ultrasound, rod template (known as "comb") or even image analysis techniques are widely used and have good reliability, but are usually time consuming, both in collecting information and in data processing.