Effect of Thermal Shock on Grindability of Zircon for Preparation of Zircon Flour

Abstract

AbstractThis paper deals with the effect of thermal shock treatment on grindability and grinding characteristics of zircon minerals and the overall energy saving achieved. This attempt is made due to a fine dry grinding of zircon minerals to produce zircon flour is an energy intensive operation. The effect of grinding time on grinding of zircon minerals in a continuously agitated rod mill indicate that the time required is 170 minutes for obtaining 75% of particles passing 45 µm size for natural zircon mineral whereas for thermally treated zircon it is only 100 minutes to achieve the same. Hence, 70 minutes of grinding time is saved. The work index test results show that 13.3% of the total energy can be saved when a sample is preheated to 850 °C and subjected to thermal shock treatment. The effect is due to the development of numerous micro-cracks and fractures in samples subjected to thermal shock.