Wear & Corrosion of WC-Based Overlays in Oil Sands Processing
Joint Industry Project
This research program is determining the wear and corrosion performance of tungsten carbide-based overlays, deposited by plasma transferred arc welding, in oil sands processing environments.
Initially, the program will determine:
- Effects of sand characteristics on the abrasion resistance of WC-based overlays
- Impact resistance of WC-based overlays
- Corrosion resistance of WC-based overlays
Further work will evaluate the use of alternative carbide-types and metal matrix alloys.
JIP deliverables
- Through applied research and development, the project will provide a fundamental and thorough understanding of the wear and corrosion performance of WC-MMC overlays in oil sands processing environments.
- Using this information, specifications will be established for the selection of WC-MMC overlays for particular wear and corrosive environments. This will include a listing of commercially available products that fulfill the specification.
- It is intended that oil sands operators and powder manufacturers will use these specifications for the selection of WC-based overlays for oil sands processing applications.
- Results of the project will also be presented at workshops
The program is jointly funded by oil sands operators, powder manufacturers, overlay applicators, and the Alberta Research Council. We currently have seven industry members.
Program membership will be renewed on an annual basis. The inclusion of new members will be considered on an individual basis; current JIP members will be contacted for feedback and a majority-rules voting system will be used.