Investigation of Novel HPGR and Size Classification Comminution Circuit

Crushing and grinding rock is the largest consumer of energy at a mining operation. Ball Mill grinding is the main technology that is used for fine grinding, yet it is known to be very inefficient with respect to energy consumptions; estimates are that less than 2% of energy input to ball mills translate into particle breakage. The High-Pressure Grinding Roll (HPGR) is known to be much more energy efficient for breaking coarse particles and the present proposal is aimed at demonstrating that the HPGR is more energy efficient than ball mill grinding of fine particles. The target is to reduce energy usage by 50% by replacing ball mills with the HPGR. The research will investigate technical challenges of applying the technology for fine particle breakage and demonstrate the novel process.

Faculty Supervisor:

Bern Klein

Student:

Amit Kumar;Chengtie Fisher Wang;Darren Daozhen Gong;Cherezade Saud Soto

Partner:

COREM

Discipline:

Engineering - other

Sector:

Mining and quarrying

University:

University of British Columbia