Abstract
A device and a method for removing worn or damaged wear-resistant steel plates installed over the surface of substrates subject to wear by contact with abrasive materials, wherein said wear-resistant steel plates are bonded to said substrate by a heat-sensitive adhesive. The device has a frame, one or more electrical resistors to raise the temperature of said wear-resistant steel plates when said frame is positioned above said wear-resistant steel plates, one or more electromagnets being configured and adapted to contact and hold said wear-resistant steel plates when said electromagnets are activated by an electrical current, and one or more handles to separate the device magnetically holding said wear-resistant steel plates away from said substrate. The device may also comprise a thermocouple and a PID controller to control the temperature of the wear-resistant steel plates in a range between 350° C. and 450° C. Optionally, an audible alarm is provided to indicate the operator that the desired temperature has been reached and that separation of the device holding the wear-resistant steel plates away from said substrate can be done. Optionally, the device is split into two separate and independent sections, a first heating section comprising the heating elements to raise the temperature of the wear-resistant steel plates and a second removing section comprising the electromagnets used for engaging and separating the wear-resistant steel plates. Using two separate sections for heating and removing the wear-resistant steel plates provides flexibility regarding the size of the device and allows for removal of wear-resistant steel plates while other wear plates are being heated.