AU2011205175A1 - Chute Liner - Google Patents

Abstract

-15 Abstract A chute liner element (20) intended in use to be secured relative to at least a portion of a surface of a chute to form a chute liner, the element (20) comprising a base (21) securable relative to the surface, and a wing member (22) extending from the base (21), the wing member (22) being divided into a plurality of resiliently flexible sections (27) that are able to flex relative to the base (21) and each other.

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Skellerup Industries Limited Actual Inventor Michael John Christmas Address for service is: WRAYS Ground Floor, 56 Ord Street West Perth WA 6005 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: Chute Liner The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 -2 CHUTE LINER Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a protective liner for a chute suitable for preventing material which is passing over the liner from adhering to the liner. It is particularly applicable to a liner for a surface over which mined ore passes and the invention will be described in relation to that application but it is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to that application. Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Furthermore, throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "include" or variations such as "includes" or "including", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Additionally, throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms. Background Art Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application, or patent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of conciseness. The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge of the person skilled in the art in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the invention. Ore collected from mining operations is transported to a works/processing plant for initial processing by suitable transport means including large vehicles such as "Haul Pacs", conveyors and like means. The ore is transferred to the processing -3 plant initially by depositing it into a chute arrangement, after which it is then transferred, often by conveyor to other machinery, such as crushers. The nature of many ores is such that, if the ore becomes damp or moist, for instance by being exposed to rain, some of the ore will adhere to the chute wall. This can progressively lead to clumps of ore material building up on the chute wall. As these clumps grow in size, they impede the passage of ore within the chute and can even lead to the chute being completely blocked. Australian Patent No. 2004202731, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses a chute liner and chute liner elements for preventing or at least reducing the tendency of such ores to form these clumps on the chute wall. The present invention attempts to improve the performance of the chute liner and chute liner elements disclosed in the '731 patent by improving their ability to prevent or at least reduce the tendency of such ores to form clumps on the chute wall on which the liner and/or elements are mounted. It is against this background that the present invention has been developed. Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art mentioned above, or to provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chute liner element intended in use to be secured relative to at least a portion of a surface of a chute to form a chute liner, the element comprising a base securable relative to the surface, and a wing member extending from the base, the wing member being divided into a plurality of resiliently flexible sections that are able to flex relative to the base and each other. Preferably, the sections are formed in the wing member by at least one cut in the wing member. Each cut may be a narrow cut or a wide cut. It is particularly preferred that a plurality of cuts are made in the wing member and that the cuts are -4 spaced apart from each other by a prescribed distance or spacing. The prescribed distance or spacing may be proportional to a length of the chute liner element and/or the design/dimensions of the chute. In a preferred form, the prescribed distance or spacing is approximately 120 mm. At either end of a chute liner element the prescribed distance or spacing may be greater or less than 120 mm, particularly where the length of the chute liner element is not a multiple of 120 mm units. In one embodiment, the prescribed distance or spacing is 80 mm. Preferably, the wing member also includes a respective hole from which each cut extends. It is preferred that each hole is a circular hole. In a preferred form, each cut may be "U" shaped or have the form of a slot. Such cuts may be made by an appropriate tool, such as, for example, a clicking knife. Preferably, a gap of the slotted or "U" shaped cut is approximately 5 - 7 mm. In one preferred embodiment, the sections have the same width. In another preferred embodiment, the widths of the sections progressively decrease along the wing member. According to a second broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chute liner intended in use to line at least a portion of a surface of a chute, the chute liner comprising a plurality of chute liner elements according to the first broad aspect of the present invention secured relative to the surface of the chute. According to a third broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chute liner element intended in use to be secured relative to at least a portion of a surface of a chute to form a chute liner, the element comprising a base securable relative to the surface, a resiliently flexible wing member that extends from the base and that is able to flex relative to the base, and a groove for increasing the flexibility of the wing member. Preferably, the groove extends along a rear face of the wing member. Preferably, the groove has a circular profile. Alternatively, the groove has an elliptical profile. In embodiments of the invention, the groove may not be provided. According to a fourth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chute liner intended in use to line at least a portion of a surface of a chute, the chute liner comprising a plurality of chute liner elements according to the third broad aspect of the present invention secured relative to the surface of the chute.

-5 According to a fifth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chute liner element intended in use to be secured relative to at least a portion of a surface of a chute to form a chute liner, the element comprising a base securable relative to the surface, a resiliently flexible wing member that extends from the base and that is able to flex relative to the base, and a sealing means for forming a seal between the element and the portion of the surface of the chute. Preferably, the sealing means comprises a bulge. According to a sixth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chute liner intended in use to line at least a portion of a surface of a chute, the chute liner comprising a plurality of chute liner elements according to the fifth broad aspect of the present invention secured relative to the surface of the chute. Preferably, the chute liner element comprises a coating for influencing one or more characteristics of the chute liner element. The characteristics influenced may comprise a resistance to abrasion and/or a friction. The coating is preferably sprayable, and may comprise a polymer, such as polyurethane or other polymeric material. Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the invention may be more fully understood and put into practice, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a chute liner element; Figure 2 is a perspective view depicting a plurality of narrow cuts in a wing member of a second preferred embodiment of a chute liner element; Figure 3 is a perspective view depicting a plurality of wide cuts in a wing member of a third preferred embodiment of a chute liner element; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of a chute liner element; Figure 5 is a perspective view depicting a plurality of "U" shaped cuts in a wing member of a fifth preferred embodiment of a chute liner element; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a sixth preferred embodiment of a chute liner element.

-6 Best Mode(s) for Carrying out the Invention In the figures, the same reference numbers have been used to reference like features of the different embodiments. The embodiments of the invention are directed to a chute liner which is composed of a number of chute liner elements and which is used to line the wall of a chute which is adapted to receive ore from a mining operation. A typical chute to which the liner is adapted to be applied comprises a group of four trapezoidal walls joined together at the corresponding non-parallel edges to provide an inverted, truncated pyramid arrangement. In most cases, the four trapezoidal walls comprise 2 sloping and 2 parallel side walls - like an inverted roof structure. The walls are joined by welding or other secure means to hold the walls in a structure capable of withstanding the continual impact of ore which is directed to fall within the chute. The chute is supported by a suitable support. The chute liner elements according to the present invention are fixed to the surface of the chute in side by side parallel relationship to provide a flexible face over the surface. In some cases, usually a new installation, a chute surface liner may be prefabricated, from suitable material such as mild steel, having flash welded stainless steel studs affixed according to installation/bolting patterns for the chute liner elements. The chute surface liner is attached to the chute wall, and allows chute liner elements to be put into position and fixed to the chute (or chute wall) from within. A first embodiment of a chute liner element 20 is shown in figure 1 and comprises an extruded strip formed of rubber or polyurethane or a like resiliently flexible material, and has a base 21 and a wing member 22 that extends from the base 21. The wing member 22 is connected to the base 21 through a root portion 23. The base 21 has an upper edge 24 which in use is to be upper-most and is spaced laterally from the root portion 23 to provide a fixing portion 25 therebetween, and a lower edge 26. The fixing portion 25 takes the form of a planar strip of sufficient thickness to provide a mounting means for the chute liner element 20 so that the base 21 of the element 20 is able to be secured relative to a surface of a chute. The wing member 22 has the configuration of a strip and is cantilevered to extend obliquely outwardly and downwardly away from the fixing portion 25. The -7 wing member 22 is divided into a plurality of resiliently flexible sections 27 by a series of transverse cuts 28 that each extend from a respective circular hole 29 in the wing member 22 to a lower edge 30 of the wing member 22. The cuts 28 are spaced apart from each other by a prescribed distance or spacing. The prescribed distance or spacing may be proportional to a length of the chute liner element 20 and/or the design/dimensions of the chute. In the first embodiment, the distance or spacing is approximately 120 mm. The holes 29 function to prevent tears from propagating through the wing member 22. The flexible sections 27 are able to flex relative to the base 21 and each other. In embodiments of the invention, the prescribed distance or spacing may be greater or less than 120 mm, particularly at either end of the chute liner element 20 and where the length of the chute liner element 20 is not a multiple of 120 mm units. In one embodiment, the prescribed distance or spacing is 80 mm. Root portion 23 provides a resiliently deformable body adapted to flexibly support the wing member 22 from the base 21 and flex with the impact of the ore passing through the chute and then return to its usual position. The wing member 22 is of sufficient thickness and stiffness to flexibly accommodate ore that impacts on the wing member 22 during the ore's passage through the chute. It is anticipated that the support provided for the wing member 22 by the base 21 through the root portion 23 will enable the wing member sections 27 to flex on the root portion 23 when impacted by the ore and subsequently rebound and vibrate until they finally come to rest. It is anticipated that such vibration will prevent damp ore material from adhering to the wing member 22. In this regard it is believed that the root portion 23 will store energy during deflection of the wing member sections 27 and release it again, thereby causing the oscillations to be more intense than would be the case if the energy was stored within the wing member 22 by itself. While the primary vibration or oscillation which the wing member sections 27 undergo after deflection may be a swinging back and forward action around the junction between the wing member 22 and the root portion 23, it is also expected that a vibration will also be introduced within the wing member sections 27 themselves which will provide an effective means for preventing ore from adhering to the surface of the wing member 22. Referring to figure 2, a second embodiment of a chute liner element 40 is similar to the chute liner element 20. The cuts 28 in the wing member 22 of chute -8 liner element 40 are narrow cuts. The cuts 28 are spaced apart from each other such that the width of the sections 27 of the wing member 22 progressively decrease along the wing member 22 from the left end of the wing member 22 to the right end of the wing member 22. Referring to figure 3, a third embodiment of a chute liner element 50 is similar to the chute liner element 40, except that the cuts 28 in the wing member 22 of the chute liner element 50 are wide cuts so that the sections 27 are physically separated from each other by the cuts 28. A fourth embodiment of a chute liner element 60 is depicted in figure 4. Element 60 differs from the elements 20, 40 and 50 in that the wing member 22 of the element 60 does not include a plurality of sections 27. Moreover, the wing member 22 of the element 60 is shorter than the wing members 22 of the elements 20, 40 and 50. Consequently, the lower edge 30 of the element 60 is closer to the lower edge 26 of the base of the element 60. Unlike the chute liner elements 20, 40 and 50, the chute liner element 60 includes a scalloped section or groove 61 that extends along a rear face of the wing member 22 and that has a circular profile. Groove 61 increases the flexibility of the wing member 22. The profile and dimensions of the groove 61 may be varied in embodiments of the invention, including being oval shaped and larger or smaller than the case in the fourth embodiment. The angle of inclination of the wing member 22 relative to the base 21 may be varied. For example, the angle of inclination may be greater or less than the angle of inclination of the chute liner elements disclosed in Australian Patent No. 2004202731. Referring to figure 5, a fifth embodiment of a chute liner element 70 is similar to the chute liner element 50, except that the cuts 28 in the wing member 22 of the chute liner element 70 are "U" shaped cuts or slots so that the sections 27 are physically separated from each other by the cuts 28, and no hole 29 is provided. In the fifth embodiment, the gap provided by or width of the slotted or "U" shaped cuts 28 (i.e. the separation between each section 27) is approximately 5 - 7 mm. Such cuts may be made by an appropriate tool, such as, for example, a clicking knife. The shape, profile and dimensions of the cuts 28 may be further varied in other embodiments of the invention. A sixth embodiment of a chute liner element 80, which may also be referred -9 to as a side wall profile element, is depicted in figure 6. Element 80 differs from the embodiments of the elements 20, 40, 50, 60, and 70 hereinbefore described in that the wing member 22 of the element 80 does not include a plurality of sections 27. Furthermore, the root portion 23, connecting the wing member 22 to the base 21 is located at or proximate to the upper edge 24 of the base 21, so that the upper edge 24 of the base is continuous with and extends along a front or upper face 82 of the wing member 22. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 25 is provided between the root portion 23 and the lower edge 26 of the base 21, and has a length of 60 mm, whilst the lower edge 26 has a thickness of 21 mm. Additionally, sealing means is provided comprising a projection or protrusion in the form of a bulge 84 that extends or protrudes from the root portion 23 opposedly to the extension of the wing member 22. A substantially planar profile of the base 21 is curved at the root portion 23 to provide the bulge 84. In the embodiment described, element 80 is intended to be used in combination with any of elements 20, 40, 50, 60, and 70 hereinbefore described. Particularly, one or more elements 80 are intended to be positioned or mounted in a chute, on parallel walls or surfaces of the chute, for example, directly above or preceding elements 20, 40, 50, 60, or 70 nearest the walls or surfaces of the chute. In the case of a chute having 2 sloping and 2 parallel side walls, an element 80 would preferably be positioned on each of the 4 corners of the chute. Each element 80 is secured relative to walls/surfaces of the chute by retaining means in the form of a steel plate 86 bolted to the wall/surface such that the fixing portion 25 of the element 80 is retained between the wall/surface and the steel plate 86. Preferably, the steel plate 86 has dimensions of 5 mm x 55 mm. An angle between the wing member 22 and the fixing portion 25 is less than 90* in the sixth embodiment, so that the wing member 22 extends outwardly and downwardly over the fixing portion 25 when mounted as hereinbefore described. Additionally, the element 80 has a width between the upper face 82 and a lower face 88 which tapers or reduces. In the embodiment described, the width tapers from 21 mm at a portion of the wing member 22 adjacent the base 21 to 16 mm at a portion of the wing member 22 remote from the base 21. Such shaping further enhances the ability of the wing member 22 to flex on the root portion 23 when impacted by ore travelling along the chute and subsequently rebound. It will be appreciated that when mounted as hereinbefore described, the - 10 bulge 84 at the uppermost or top of the vertical section of the element 80 will act to form a seal between the resiliently flexible material (rubber or polyurethane in the embodiment) of the element 80 and the vertical steel wall or surface of the chute when the element 80 is bolted on. The bulge 84 acts to mitigate or prevent a problem that may arise from wet ore sticking or adhering between the chute side wall or surface and the element or profile butted up against it. Additionally, the rebounding of the wing member 22 from a flexed position may advantageously cause falling ore impacting thereon to be directed or "flicked" substantially perpendicular to the flow of ore and transported down or along the chute by action of the element 80. In embodiments of the invention, one or more portions or surfaces of the chute liner element 20, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80, such as the front or upper face 82 of the wing member 22 in the sixth embodiment of the chute liner element 80, may be provided with a coating to influence one or more characteristics thereof, including a resistance to abrasion and a friction. Such a coating may, for example, facilitate movement of ore there along. The coating may achieve this by lowering a friction characteristic or otherwise expediting movement of the ore. In one embodiment, the coating may comprise one or more panels or sheets, composed of, for example, ceramic or plastic material, adhered to the respective portion or surface. In alternative embodiments, the coating can be sprayed on. In such a case, for example, a polymeric coating may be sprayed or otherwise applied to some or all of the wing member 22 to both aid abrasion resistance and lower the friction coefficient of the wing surface. It will be appreciated that the sections 27, cuts 28, and holes 29 may be incorporated into the chute liner elements and chute liners disclosed by Australian Patent No. 2004202731, and that the shortening of the wing member 22 and the inclusion of a groove 61 in the wing member 22 may also be incorporated into those chute liner elements and chute liners. Moreover, the chute liner elements and chute liners disclosed herein and also by Australian Patent No. 2004202731 may be fabricated from a new compound, which is black in colour, and which has improved bounce and rebound. The new compound may have reduced natural rubber content, and the filler content (i.e. the black/silica content) may also be changed. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications to the invention described herein will be apparent without departing - 11 from the spirit and scope thereof. The variations and modifications as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.

Claims (30)

1. A chute liner element intended in use to be secured relative to at least a portion of a surface of a chute to form a chute liner, the element comprising a base securable relative to the surface, and a wing member extending from the base, the wing member being divided into a plurality of resiliently flexible sections that are able to flex relative to the base and each other.

2. The chute line element of claim 1, wherein the sections are formed in the wing member by at least one cut in the wing member.

3. The chute liner element of claim 2, wherein each cut is a narrow cut or a wide cut.

4. The chute liner element of claim 2 or 3, wherein a plurality of cuts is made in the wing member.

5. The chute liner element of claim 4, wherein cuts of the plurality of cuts are spaced apart from each other by a prescribed distance or spacing.

6. The chute liner element of claim 5, wherein the prescribed distance or spacing is proportional to a length of the chute liner element and/or the design/dimensions of the chute.

7. The chute liner element of claim 5 or 6, wherein the prescribed distance or spacing is approximately 120 mm.

8. The chute liner element of claim 5 or 6, wherein at either end of the chute liner element the prescribed distance or spacing is greater or less than 120 mm.

9. The chute liner element of claim 8, wherein the prescribed distance or spacing is 80 mm.

10. The chute liner element of any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the wing member comprises a respective hole from which each cut extends.

11. The chute liner element of claim 10, wherein each hole is a circular hole.

12. The chute liner element of any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein each cut is "U" shaped or has the form of a slot.

13. The chute liner element of claim 12, wherein a gap of the slotted or "U" shaped cut is approximately 5 - 7 mm.

14. The chute liner element of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sections have the same width.

15. The chute liner element of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein widths of the sections progressively decrease along the wing member. -13

16. A chute liner intended in use to line at least a portion of a surface of a chute, the chute liner comprising a plurality of chute liner elements according to any one of claims 1 to 15 secured relative to the surface of the chute.

17. A chute liner element intended in use to be secured relative to at least a portion of a surface of a chute to form a chute liner, the element comprising a base securable relative to the surface, a resiliently flexible wing member that extends from the base and that is able to flex relative to the base, and a groove for increasing the flexibility of the wing member.

18. The chute liner element of claim 17, wherein the groove extends along a rear face of the wing member.

19. The chute liner element of claim 17 or 18, wherein the groove has a circular profile.

20. The chute liner element of claim 19, wherein the groove has an elliptical profile.

21. A chute liner intended in use to line at least a portion of a surface of a chute, the chute liner comprising a plurality of chute liner elements according to any one of claims 17 to 20 secured relative to the surface of the chute.

22. A chute liner element intended in use to be secured relative to at least a portion of a surface of a chute to form a chute liner, the element comprising a base securable relative to the surface, a resiliently flexible wing member that extends from the base and that is able to flex relative to the base, and a sealing means for forming a seal between the element and the portion of the surface of the chute.

23. The chute liner element of claim 22, wherein the sealing means comprises a bulge.

24. A chute liner intended in use to line at least a portion of a surface of a chute, the chute liner comprising a plurality of chute liner elements according to claim 22 or 23 secured relative to the surface of the chute.

25. The chute liner element of any one of claims 1 to 15, 17 to 20, 22, or 23 comprising a coating for influencing one or more characteristics of the chute liner element.

26. The chute liner element of claim 25, wherein the characteristics influenced comprise a resistance to abrasion and/or a friction.

27. The chute liner element of claim 25 or 26, wherein the coating is sprayable. - 14

28. The chute liner element of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the coating comprises a polymer.

29. A chute liner element substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

30. A chute liner substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.