Title

MILL CHARGE OPTIMIZATION BY SIMULATION: A CASE STUDY

MILL CHARGE OPTIMIZATION BY SIMULATION: A CASE STUDY

Authorship

ALVES, V.K.; GALÉRY, R.; PERES, A. E. C.; SCHNEIDER, C. L.; SILVA, R. V. G.; RIBEIRO, M.

ALVES, V.K.

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GALÉRY, R.

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PERES, A. E. C.

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SCHNEIDER, C. L.

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SILVA, R. V. G.

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RIBEIRO, M.

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DOI

10.5151/2594-357x-34Red-359-368

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Abstract

The use of mathematical models as tools for process simulation has been very useful for the characterization, evaluation and optimization of industrial plants. Simulators that are based on population balance models are at the very least convenient for grinding circuits, and some very robust tools in this area have already been developed and implemented. The chief objective of this work is to demonstrate the use of some of these models in a study involving the charge of industrial mills, with an application in an iron ore regrind circuit. The grinding plant in this case study is the Usina 5 Nibrasco-CVRD-Vitória. The sample obtained in the fresh feed of the regrind circuit was used in batch grinding tests aimed at comparing cylepb and ball charges. The batch tests provide information for the calculation of selection and breakage function parameters. These parameters were used with the scale-up model implemented in the Excel driven Moly-Cop Tools, for predicting the performance of the industrial plant. The predicted size distributions and flow rates around the circuit were compared with the measured values in the existing plant. The model performed very accurately.

The use of mathematical models as tools for process simulation has been very useful for the characterization, evaluation and optimization of industrial plants. Simulators that are based on population balance models are at the very least convenient for grinding circuits, and some very robust tools in this area have already been developed and implemented. The chief objective of this work is to demonstrate the use of some of these models in a study involving the charge of industrial mills, with an application in an iron ore regrind circuit. The grinding plant in this case study is the Usina 5 Nibrasco-CVRD-Vitória. The sample obtained in the fresh feed of the regrind circuit was used in batch grinding tests aimed at comparing cylepb and ball charges. The batch tests provide information for the calculation of selection and breakage function parameters. These parameters were used with the scale-up model implemented in the Excel driven Moly-Cop Tools, for predicting the performance of the industrial plant. The predicted size distributions and flow rates around the circuit were compared with the measured values in the existing plant. The model performed very accurately.

Keywords

modeling, regrind, iron ore, balls, cylpebs

modeling, regrind, iron ore, balls, cylpebs