Validation of tumbling mill charge induced torque as predicted by simulations

• Understanding mill charge motion is important. In the charge, the center of gravity is shifted from the rotational center of the mill system, and its motion is induced by rotation of the mill, while at the same time the charge creates a torque into the mill system. Breakage of ore particles and wear of liners/ball media are closely linked to this motion. To study these phenomena in a physically correct manner, numerical models for different parts of the mill system are needed. Validations of such models are scarce, because of the difficulty to measure inside a tumbling mill.Experimental measurements in a lab mill were done for a number of load cases: varying feed material, mill filling, mill speed and pulp liquid. The mill is set up to measure the charge-induced torque. The accuracy is good with relative uncertainty smaller than ±2% for relevant load cases.A full three dimensional numerical model of the whole mill is used to predict induced torque. Agreement between predicted and measured torque at steady-state is good. In addition, the model can accurately predict the mill start-up behavior for torque and mill power. This proves that the model is physically correct, and can be used for modeling large-scale mills.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Teknisk mekanik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Applied Mechanics (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Materialteknik -- Metallurgi och metalliska material (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Materials Engineering -- Metallurgy and Metallic Materials (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Grinding

Tumbling mills

Modeling and simulation

Torque

Hållfasthetslära

Solid Mechanics

Mineral Processing

Mineralteknik

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)