Replacement Screws Improve Bentonite Production at American Colloid in Lovell, WY

Introduction

American Colloid Company was founded in 1927 and is a major U.S. producer and processor of bentonite clay. Major bentonite deposits are located in Wyoming with plants located in Lovell and Colony. Bentonite is used in many industrial applications including drilling fluids for the oil and gas industry, pet litter, and environmental containment systems. Screw conveyors are the primary method of conveying processed bentonite. Motion in Billings, MT provides MRO parts and service to American Colloid.

Challenge

American Colloid was experiencing rapid wear on screw conveyor flights due to the abrasive nature of bentonite. Aggressive flight erosion reduced equipment life and caused unplanned downtime. A dependable solution was needed to improve wear performance and keep the system running longer between repairs.

KWS Advantage

KWS evaluated the application and supplied replacement screws with AR500 flights, a wear-resistant material selected specifically for abrasive service. With a surface hardness of approximately 500 BHN, AR500 resists the aggressive action of the conveyed bentonite far better than carbon steel, making it a practical upgrade where flight wear is a recurring issue. By matching the flight material to the application, KWS helped Motion provide a solution that reduces premature wear and supports longer service life for American Colloid.

KWS Provided a Solution that Reduces Premature Wear and Supports Longer Service Life

KWS Robotically Forms AR500 Sectional Flights