Modelling of the Combined Milling Circuit for the Maximum Production of a Desired Particle Size Range

Abstract

Ball milling is mainly conducted in closed circuits in order to avoid material overgrinding and thus maximize the production of the desired product size. Modelling the desired milling circuit is initially the first step taken to optimise its operation. To that end, a mathematical simulation of the combined milling circuit, consisting of classifiers and grinding models was applied to optimize the operation of the circuit, that is, to determine the optimal conditions in terms of energy consumption under which production of the floatable size range of platinum-bearing ore can be achieved. The results from the simulation showed useful insights fundamental to the enhancement of the operation of the milling efficiency. Regions showing the best combination of the design and operational factors that enable the production of the highest amount of the floatable size class with the minimum energy consumption were shown.

Keywords: Combined milling circuit, Floatable size range, Milling parameters, Population balance model, Attainable region