Abstract

This paper investigates the Research and Development (R&D) in Material of Construction (MOC) for agitators deployed in high-temperature, high-pressure reactors handling highly abrasive leach slurries from mineral ore processing. The operational environment poses significant challenges, including extreme thermal stress, chemical corrosion, and abrasive wear. Conventional materials such as SS316 and Hastelloy often suffer premature failure under such conditions. This study explores advancements in wear-resistant alloys, ceramic-coated composites, and duplex/super-duplex steels. It analyzes their mechanical integrity, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability through laboratory simulations and field trials. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) optimize blade geometry and material performance under dynamic slurry conditions. The paper concludes with a proposed material-performance matrix for agitator selection, aimed at reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency in metallurgical leaching reactors.

Keywords:Agitator design; Material of Construction (MOC); High-pressure reactors; Abrasive leach slurry; Corrosion resistance; Mineral ore processing