The Use of DEM for Optimising an Industrial Vezin Sampler Operation

Abstract

Rotary dividers, also known as “vezin samplers”, are widely used in the mining industry to obtain representative samples of particulate streams, and they are used as primary, secondary, or tertiary samplers. Based on Pierre Gy’s theory of sampling (TOS), the correct extraction of an increment when composing a sample must give all particles the same chance of being selected. Aiming to comply with the theory of sampling, sampler construction parameters must be considered to avoid increment delimitation and extraction errors (IDE and IEE). In this way, a detailed study of the ore physical properties is necessary before designing sampling systems, which are customised for each application and ore type. Based on ore characterisation studies and combined with Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations, it is possible to evaluate samplers’ dimensions as proposed by the theory of sampling and determine the best design and operational parameters. The present study investigated and optimised the performance of a secondary vezin sampler installed in the feed sampling system of a gold plant in Brazil using DEM.