A Mineral Liberation Model for Confined Particle Bed Breakage

ABSTRACT

The advent of High Pressure Grinding Rolls technology in the minerals industry has created an interest in the particle bed mode of breakage, not only because of its energy saving qualities, but also due to its apparent enhanced mineral liberating properties. Little scientific evidence exists to substantiate any enhanced liberation properties. Automated image analysis and stereological correction methods have now made it possible to measure mineral liberation quite accurately. A population balance mineral liberation model, based on QEM*SEM liberation data of confined particle bed breakage products of a binary ion oxide core, is presented. The selective breakage observed, due to the differential breakage properties of the respective phases, is described. Preferential breakage is incorporated into a liberation model for the first time.