Spray Equipment for Mines
At SCT, we offer a comprehensive range of spray and coating equipment, including spray equipment for mines. We also offer large-volume fluid transfer pumps for mining applications.
Below we offer links to a selection of spray equipment recommended for applying surface coatings to mining machines, equipment and structures. Made by leading international manufacturers such as Graco, Meite and Krautzberger, they combine dependable performance and durability.
Also see below for a discussion of the roles of surface coatings on mines and considerations for choosing spray equipment.
Recommended spray systems for industrial coatings
For spraying of large mining equipment, storage tanks and other structures, we recommend a pneumatic or hydraulic airless spray system.
Manual spray guns for mining applications
The following manual spray guns are ideal for applying tough protective coatings:
In addition, entry-level manual spray guns such as the Meite W301 or Meite 4001 offer excellent performance at affordable prices. They’re suitable for smaller volumes of work.
Automatic spray guns for mining applications
Importance of surface coatings for mines
Suitable protective coatings can add significantly to the lifespan and utility of mining structures and machinery.
In both open and closed mines, structures and machinery tend to be exposed to high volumes of grit, dust and moisture. And mining tasks – from drilling to crushing and grinding, sorting/separation, concentration and loading – are exceptionally tough on equipment.
Depending on their properties, different types of coatings may protect mining equipment against:
- corrosion (commonly acclerated in mines due to moisture, chemical exposure, microbial activity and more)
- abrasion (an issue on machinery like vibrator feeds and augers, for example)
- friction (such as the friction against hinge pins)
- overheating or fire, in the case of fire-retardent coatings.
Along with prolonging equipment lifespan, suitable surface coatings may help prevent unnecessary downtime and improve mine safety.
Choosing surface coating equipment for mining applications
The best spray equipment will depend on a mix of factors. Key among these are the following:
Where spraying will occur
Is there access to electricity? Is the area indoors or out – and is the space confined?
Factors like these help determine whether it’s best to opt for an electric, petrol-operated, air-driven or hydraulic spray system.
Hydraulic and pneumatic pumps can produce higher output volumes than standard electric and petrol-driven pumps. Each of them has pros and cons.
A hydraulic sprayer needs a motor, driven by either electricity or petrol. It tends to handle heavy-duty and highly textured coatings especially well. However, the motor can be a disadvantage, especially for work in confined spaces.
A pneumatic system needs an air compressor to work. A pneumatic, airless sprayer is the system of choice for many industrial coating applications, thanks to its versatility and ability to create smooth, even finishes.
Type(s) of coatings required
Some spray systems are designed only for textured or high-solid coatings. Some are designed only to spray low-viscosity fluids, like paint. Others can handle both.
It’s a good idea to check the data sheet supplied with a particular coating material. Typically, the manufacturer will indicate a recommended pressure and tip size for spraying the material. This can help guide the selection of suitable spray equipment.
Number of painters working at a time
Some spray systems are designed for use by a single operator. Others support multiple spray guns and can be used by two or three operators at a time.
To support multiple spray guns, a spray system has to provide a high enough flow rate (expressed in litres or gallons per minute) for each of the guns to achieve effective coverage.
Scope of coating work
The frequency and volume of coating work will help determine:
- a realistic budget
- what category of spray system is best
- potential benefits of an automated (or partially automated) spray solution.
Getting the best spray solution for your needs
The right spray system for a particular mining application can:
boost productivity, making it much faster to apply surface coatings
reduce waste of coating materials
free up labour and/or help prevent operator fatigue
achieve consistent, durable finishes that extend equipment lifespan.
For high-quality coating and spray equipment for mines, along with expert technical advice, contact us at SCT.
