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Which wear plate is best for cement plant chutes?
Short answer
For cold sliding abrasion in cement plant chutes, hoppers and separators, AR400 suits formed parts and AR500 suits flat liners with severe sliding wear, while 200 BHN plate is a low-cost option for moderate abrasion. Hot zones near the kiln and cooler need heat-resisting stainless steel, because quenched-and-tempered wear plate softens when heated.
Key takeaways
In brief
- Cold abrasion zones: Chutes, hoppers and separators handling raw meal, limestone and coal: AR400 for formed parts, AR500 for flat liners with severe sliding, and 200 BHN plate where cost matters and abrasion is moderate.
- Hot zones: Kiln inlet, cyclones and cooler parts need heat-resisting grades such as SS 310S and 253 MA.
Cold abrasion zones
Chutes, hoppers and separators handling raw meal, limestone and coal: AR400 for formed parts, AR500 for flat liners with severe sliding, and 200 BHN plate where cost matters and abrasion is moderate.
Hot zones
Matching each zone of the plant
| Zone | Wear type | Usual material |
|---|---|---|
| Crusher discharge and limestone chutes | Impact plus abrasion | AR400 |
| Raw mill separators and fan casings | Fine sliding abrasion | AR500 |
| Coal mill ducts | Sliding abrasion | AR400 to AR500 |
| Preheater cyclones and kiln inlet | Heat and abrasion | SS 310S, 253 MA |
| Clinker cooler parts | Hot abrasion | Heat-resisting grades or castings |
Getting more life from the same plate
Orient liners so the material flow runs along the plate rather than striking an edge, use plug-welded or bolted liners that can be replaced individually, and specify the thickness for the expected wear life rather than the starting stiffness. See the wear plate selection guide for forming and welding limits.
Related guides, comparisons and articles
Frequently asked questions
Can AR500 be bent for chute liners?
Only to large radii and in thinner sections. AR400 is the usual choice when liners must be formed.
Why does wear plate fail near the kiln?
Quenched-and-tempered wear plate loses hardness when heated above its tempering temperature, typically around 200–250 °C, so it wears quickly in hot zones.
Do you supply cut-to-size wear liners?
Yes. Wear plates can be supplied cut to size or profile cut to drawing.
Does Bright Tubes supply the materials discussed in this article?
Yes. AR400 Plates, SS 310S Stainless Steel and related products are supplied from stock or mill-sourced, with EN 10204 certificates.
Can I get technical advice for my application?
Yes. Share your service conditions and specification, and our team can help shortlist suitable grades for your engineer to confirm.