The Continuous Abrasion Index for the Assessment of Rock Abrasion

Abstract

The continuous abrasion test is a new and simple test for evaluating the abrasive potential of rock material where attrition or low-stress sliding wear problems exist. The test is sensitive to the abrasive mineral content in the host rock and was found to be very suitable in comparing the degree of abrasiveness of various sedimentary rocks and in particular coal measures rocks. The wear area generated on a tested ball bearing is used as the Continuous Abrasive Index value for the tested rock. Several types of abrasive wear pattern were recognized on the tested steel ball; these can be used as a guide for the assessment of the abrasive potential of the rock. The exploitation of this new test has led to a new rock classification index according to the abrasive potential of the rock.