Development of slurry-jet erosion test for elastomeric materials

This article presents the development of a slurry-jet erosion test rig and characterisation procedure for slurry erosive wear behaviour of elastomeric materials. Key parameters such as the mass of impacting particles, particle concentrations, impact angles, and slurry velocities can be set and controlled accurately by following an established measurement protocol. The results for slurry velocity, concentration, and temperature showed an excellent control using the test rig. The test rig was designed to maintain the slurry temperature change within ±2 °C as required by BS/ISO 23529 and no additional cooling system is needed. Characteristics of silica sand particles in the slurry experienced very little change after several test batches in terms of average particle size, particle distribution, and angularity. Commissioning of the rig was carried out by evaluating erosion behaviour of polychloroprene rubber with the variation of mass of erodent particles and impact angles. The results showed that the developed erosion test rig and testing procedure were reliable for investigating slurry erosive wear processes of elastomers. Erosive wear resistance of different elastomers to slurry-jet erosion can be investigated under varied test parameters. The experimental erosion wear results were compared with calculated values using the theoretical models of cutting and deformation wear.