Innovation of Biomass Crusher by Application of Hardfacing Layers

This paper presents the innovation possibilities of the crushers functional parts and the results of layers’ renovation analyses of the surfaces worn by biomass crusher hammers. The worn functional surfaces of hammers made of Hardox 400 material were renovated by manual arc welding method (welded with a filled wire electrode with its own protection). As an additive material, Lincore 60-O tubular wire from Lincoln Electric was used. The quality of weld layers was assessed on the metallographic sections, where the presence of internal defects was monitored, and the microstructures of welds were identified. In addition to the metallographic analysis, the microhardness in terms of EN ISO 9015-2 was assessed. Based on the performed experiments, it is suitable for the crusher innovation to recommend the chain replacement with a shaped weldment made of Hardox 400 material, the weldability of which is very good, and to make at least one hardfacing layer on its functional surfaces. With this innovation, the service life of the crushing segment could be extended by more than ten-fold.