Use of the Swebrec Function to Model Particle Size Distribution in an Industrial-Scale Ni-Co Ore Grinding Circuit
Open Access
- 10 August 2019
- Vol. 9 (8), 882
- https://doi.org/10.3390/met9080882
Abstract
Mathematical models of particle size distribution (PSD) are necessary in the modelling and simulation of comminution circuits. In order to evaluate the application of the Swebrec PSD model (SWEF) in the grinding circuit at the Punta Gorda Ni-Co plant, a sampling campaign was carried out with variations in the operating parameters. Subsequently, the fitting of the data to the Gates-Gaudin-Schumann (GGS), Rosin-Rammler (RRS) and SWEF PSD functions was evaluated under statistical criteria. The fitting of the evaluated distribution models showed that these functions are characterized as being sufficiently accurate, as the estimation error does not exceed 3.0% in any of the cases. In the particular case of the Swebrec function, reproducibility for all the products is high. Furthermore, its estimation error does not exceed 2.7% in any of the cases, with a correlation coefficient of the ratio between experimental and simulated data greater than 0.99.Keywords
This publication has 11 references indexed in Scilit:
- Product size distribution function influence on interpolation calculations in the Bond ball mill grindability testInternational Journal of Mineral Processing, 2016
- Fine grinding size distribution analysis using the Swrebec functionPowder Technology, 2014
- Performance of some distributions to describe rock fragmentation dataInternational Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 2012
- A neural network-based soft sensor for particle size distribution using image analysisPowder Technology, 2011
- Effect of Magnesium on Pressure Leaching of Moa Laterite OreCanadian Metallurgical Quarterly, 2010
- Adaptive soft-sensors for on-line particle size estimation in wet grinding circuitsControl Engineering Practice, 2008
- Grindability of lateritic nickel ores in CubaPowder Technology, 2008
- Implementation of energy sustainability concepts during the comminution process of the Punta Gorda nickel ore plant (Cuba)Powder Technology, 2006
- The Swebrec© function: linking fragmentation by blasting and crushingMining Technology: Transactions of the Institutions of Mining and Metallurgy, 2005
- The mean diameter of the fragments formed by blasting rockJournal of Mining Science, 1973