Modelagem e simulação de circuito de moagem através da determinação dos parâmetros de quebra e da energia específica de fragmentação.

Abstract

The optimization of industrial grinding circuits has been accomplished with success,using mathematical models that relate industrial data with breakage parameters and specific energy of fragmentation determined in the laboratory. In this study, a classical example of the use of this methodology is presented, where the breakage parameters and data for the specific energy consumption were established by laboratory tests using a grinding mill equipped with a torque sensor. The material in this study is a gold sulfide ore ground in a closed ball mill circuit thatutilizes hydrocyclones. Several sampling campaigns were carried out with the objective to provide a mass balance and to produce sufficient material for the determination of the breakage parameters in the laboratory. The data obtained in the laboratory allowed for estimating, by simulation modeling, the behavior of the circuit based upon the changes of specific operation variables. The proposed changes should make it possible to increase productivity and save energy in the ball mill grinding circuit.