Exploring an Energy-Based Model in Comminution

Abstract

Comminution devices use about 50% of the total energy in mine sites due to low efficiency and wastefulness of their operations. This study aims to provide a framework for improving efficiency of comminution processes by discretizing the relative distribution of various energy forms in the comminution process. Comminution theories are mainly based on the ore's size distribution and consequently do not adequately address other imperative phenomena such as media wear and energy utilization efficiency. We suggest an energy-based methodology that provides a common ground for comparing seemingly different aspects involved in comminution, most notably ore breakage, the media wear, and energy utilization efficiency. The experimental tests here were conducted using the Steel Wheel Abrasion Test (SWAT) highlighting the relationship between test variables, including media wear, ore breakage and energy efficiency. In addition, preliminary experimental results show interesting connections between various energy forms involved in comminution that is of high use in future design and performance optimization of comminution devices.