Kenco TCI Wear Strips Cut Costs for Asphalt Plant Equipment

In the demanding environment of asphalt mixing plants, equipment component wear remains a persistent challenge that reduces productivity and drives up maintenance costs. This issue is particularly acute at critical material transfer points where steel surfaces endure constant abrasion from aggregates and hot mix asphalt.

Addressing Wear Challenges with TCI Technology

Kenco Engineering's Tungsten Carbide Impregnated (TCI) wear bars present an advanced solution to these operational challenges. Unlike traditional hardfacing methods that require extensive labor and frequent reapplication, TCI wear bars combine superior durability with simplified installation.

The tungsten carbide impregnation technology delivers exceptional wear resistance with a Rockwell hardness of 90A, significantly outperforming conventional hardfacing materials. This innovative approach creates a robust protective layer that withstands the abrasive impact of materials moving through the plant's conveying systems.

Key Advantages Over Traditional Methods

• Cost Efficiency: TCI wear bars offer lower total cost compared to hardfacing, with reduced installation time and labor requirements
• Enhanced Durability: The tungsten carbide surface provides superior resistance to abrasion, extending service life in high-wear applications
• Simplified Installation: Can be welded using standard low-hydrogen electrodes or MIG welding equipment without specialized skills
• Adaptive Design: Flexible enough to conform to curved surfaces when heated, ensuring comprehensive protection for complex geometries
• Customizable Solutions: Available in widths from 1" to 6" and thicknesses from 0.375" to 2.000", with lengths up to 10 feet for field modification

Strategic Application in Asphalt Plants

The TCI wear bars demonstrate particular effectiveness when installed at critical wear points throughout the material handling system. These include:

• Flop gates and diverter points where material flow direction changes abruptly
• Elevator boot sections that receive direct material impact
• Transfer points where material falls from conveyors to chutes or hoppers

By strategically placing these wear bars at impact zones, plant operators can effectively distribute wear forces and prevent localized damage from propagating through equipment components.

Technical Specifications

The TCI wear bars are engineered to meet diverse industrial requirements:

• Material Composition: Tungsten carbide impregnated surface
• Surface Hardness: 90 Rockwell A
• Installation Method: Weld-on application
• Thermal Properties: Resistant to thermal shock
• Customization: Can be heated and bent to match surface contours

This innovative wear solution represents a significant advancement in asphalt plant maintenance technology, offering operators a reliable method to reduce downtime and maintenance costs while improving overall equipment longevity.