KVX for Limestone
Looking for a way of making your business more profitable? Then you should get to know the KVX system.
The KVX System has been developed in close co-operation with contractors, mines and quarries all over the world. KVX offers a wide product range, dependable factory support, flexible engineering resources, unique and unrivalled solutions, and wear parts of the highest quality.
KVX is Rock Science.
Materials like limestone tend to create surface cracks caused by friction martensite. KVX heat treatment of parts for conditions like Limestone reduces the risk of development of hydrogen cracks. Over 130 years of experience in steel hardening has taught us the lessons… and how to cope with them.
For a number of decades KVX have worked closely with the cement industry all over the world to develop tooth systems which will perform well for many years in limestone rock types. Limestone exposes the steel to unique challenges. The wear is low, often extremely low. However, when loading limestone, small micro cracks develop in the steel, due to excessive heat generation in the surface of the steel, caused by the friction of the stone as it moves along the steel surface. Seconds later, the surface cools again. When loading the next new cycle, the surface of the steel is again overheated for a few seconds. This constant temperature change on the surface allows hardened steel (typically over 450 Brinell) to attain a surface condition referred to as «elephant skin». This is the precursor of crack development which goes deeper into the steel. The reason that the micro cracks grow in depth is due to the phenomenon of friction martensite, which can cause cracks so significant that they eventually lead to fracture of the tooth or cutting edge.
Some GET for Limestone application
KVX use specially alloyed steel with specific hardening techniques to counteract this. In doing this we eliminate the crack formation. 125 years of experience with heat treatment has helped us to provide today’s solution for loading and handling limestone. KVX sell these limestone systems worldwide for the construction and mining industry.
The wear can be hardly noticeable in some applications, even after several thousand hours of operation in limestone.
The wear is often very low when loading limestone. The primary challenge in these conditions is the development of micro cracks caused by high friction and resultant heat build-up in the steel surface. The phenomenon of friction martensite will make these cracks grow in depth. In order to prevent this, KVX use a special alloy steel in combination with unique heat treatment techniques.
When loading limestone, the wear can vary. Where there is minimal wear, the serrated cutting edge tends to be the ideal choice. In areas where the wear is somewhat higher, a tooth system with replaceable teeth and wear parts would be the best choice.
Contact KVX for further evaluation of your limestone application.
The picture shows the cracked surface of the steel which is often referred to as «elephant skin». This is caused by the phenomenon of friction martensite which occurs when ordinary hardened steel is used in the handling of limestone.
Which G.E.T. to choose?
LOW WEAR
(98%+ Calcium Carbonate)
Serrated Lip – Thin profile
- Serrated lip expected to last 12.000 hours or more
- Almost zero cracking during lifetime
- Low/non maintenance – Little/no downtime
- Increased machine availability & productivity
- Slim profile -> better penetration -> better fuel efficiency
MEDIUM WEAR
90%+ Calcium Carbonate
Serrated lip or bolt-on tooth system – Medium profile
- Serrated lip expected to last 8.000 hours or more
- Almost zero cracking during lifetime
- Low/non maintenance – Little/no downtime
- Increased machine availability & productivity
- Slim profile -> better penetration -> better fuel efficiency
HIGH WEAR
80%+ Calcium Carbonate + Silica compounds.
Bolt-on tooth system – fat profile
- Teeth expected to last 4.000 hours or more
- Almost zero cracking during lifetime
- Low/non maintenance – Little/no downtime
- Increased machine availability & productivity
- Slim profile -> better penetration -> better fuel efficiency
- Bolt Head recessed into Base Edge (no Nuts used!)
- Slimmest tooth profile in Industry (superior penetration!)
- No Adapters – No welding
- Uninterrupted material Flow
Learn more about our products:
KVX Serrated Bucket Lips
Note : Not all serrated lips are used for limestone applications, so heat treatment and mechanical properties can vary depending on intended application.