A method for determining the generalized energy grindability index of particulate solids

Abstract

To calculate and evaluate the efficiency of the processes of fractionation of particulate solids, various industry methods have been developed that are widely and successfully used for the analysis of specific industrial technologies. Different indicators are used to measure the strength properties of particles of a bulk material in various industrial technologies. The disadvantage of the situation is the complexity, and often the impossibility of using these specific indices of strength of materials for calculating the grinding process in new equipment or a new range of particle sizes. Significant energy consumption for grinding at low efficiency of industrial mills causes the necessity of carrying out the studies aimed to increasing the efficiency of fractionation of particulate solids. In connection with this, the actual problem of scientific research to develop a generalized and universal energy indicator of grindability particulate solids and a method for its determination that can be used to describe the grinding process and to evaluate its efficiency in various industrial technologies for a wide range of materials arises.Calculation studies were carried out within the framework of the thermodynamic approach to model a grinding process. In order to carry out experimental studies, a special program for measuring and processing experimental data obtained at the laboratory impact mill was developed.In the course of computational and experimental studies, a technique has been proposed to determine the energy grindability index of particulate solids. The relation of this index with the energy necessary for breakdown of the intermolecular bonds in the material under study is established.The carried out researches allowed substantiating the method of determining the generalized energy grindability index of particulate solids. Computational analysis showed that the technique with acceptable accuracy for engineering calculations can be used in practice to assess the possibility of enrichment of heterogeneous components and to determine the optimal technological conditions for the separation of these components.