The Metcom Grinding Process Management System

English Modules

The Metcom System comprises a set of analytical techniques that collectively provide for overall technical and economic management of grinding operations in mineral processing plants. This module will introduce you to the Metcom System. 

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • State the purpose of the Metcom System.
  • Identify the three essential elements of the Metcom System.
  • Identify the two major sources of complexity in grinding process analysis.
  • Identify the main characteristics of the Metcom System.
  • Distinguish between analytical and simulation-based solutions.
  • List the four characteristics of useful process parameters. 

The estimated time to complete this module is 0.75 hours.

This module will introduce you to rod mill, ball mill, and AG/SAG mill power drawPlease note, that this module was originally created for plants with rod and ball mills. Those types of mills are very similar in that the steel media dominate their power draw characteristics. Rod and ball mill power draw calculations are covered in Parts I and II. Subsequently, AG/SAG mill power draw calculations were added, and presented in Part III.

At the end of this module, you will be able to: 

  • Differentiate between "energy consumed" and "power drawn" by grinding mills. 
  • Calculate the approximate power draw of operating mills given basic design and operating conditions. 
  • Calculate the approximate power draw of operating AG/SAG mills given basic
  • design and operating conditions, with emphasis on the relative proportion of slurry, rock, and balls in the mill. 
  • Specify practical means (and limitations) to increase the power draw of operating rod mills and ball mills in the plant. 

There is no prerequisite to this module. The estimated time to complete this module is 2.5 hours.

In this module, you will learn how to determine the actual mill powerdraw and volumetric load of your rod mill and ball mill from plant readings and measurements. You will also learn how to measure the volumetric load of AG/SAG mills.

At the end of this module, you will be able to determine the:

  • Power draw at the pinion of a grinding mill in operation given the electrical instrument readings and the motor performance characteristics.
  • Volumetric loading of a grinding mill at rest from a set of charge level measurement.
  • Relationship between power draw and volumetric loading for a mill (given liner condition).

Before covering the material in this module, you should complete the module entitled " Mill Power Draw". The estimated time to complete this module is 2.5 hours.

In this module, you will learn about Work Index calculations for evaluating grinding circuit efficiency, as developed by Mr. Fred Bond.

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Note that this module was originally produced for sponsoring companies that used only rod and ball mills. These are covered in the first three sections of the module. Work Index analysis of SAG-ball milling circuits was subsequently added as the fourth section of this module.

The estimated time to complete this module is 3.5 hours.

In this module, you will learn how to characterize the performance of
ball mill circuits. Specifically, after completing this module, you will
be able to:

  • List and describe the four elements of the functional performance equation for ball mill circuits.
  • Define and calculate the classification system efficiency of a ball mill circuit.
  • Define and calculate the grinding efficiency of the ball mill in a ball mill circuit.
  • Relate overall ball mill circuit output and circuit efficiency to specific design and operating variables.
  • Compare sets of circuit survey data in terms of the elements of the functional performance equation.

The prerequisite module to this one is entitled: "Work Index Efficiency". The estimated time to complete this module is 2.5 hours.

In this module, you will learn how to relate grinding efficiency to grinding costs and estimate the value of the grinding circuit product in your plant.  You will then be able to evaluate the effects of changes in plant tonnage and grind, and different ways of exploiting improvements in grinding efficiency.

At the end of the module, you will be able to:

  • Identify the two major direct operating costs and the major source of indirect grinding costs in a flotation concentrator.
  • Estimate the grinding cost savings and payback period on expenditures required for improving grinding efficiency.
  • Calculate the value of the grinding circuit product in terms of recoverable minerals.
  • Compare the economic benefits of various options for exploiting improvements in grinding efficiency.

The estimated time to complete this module is 3 hours.

The objective of this module is for you to learn about the hydrocyclone and how you can evaluate hydrocyclone classifier performance.

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • Identify the parts of a hydrocyclone.
  • Define hydrocyclone capacity.
  • Calculate the mass and volume balance of solids and water in the streams around the hydrocyclone.
  • Determine and characterize the particle separation performance of the hydrocyclone in terms of the actual and corrected separation curves.

The estimated time to complete this module is 3 hours.

The objective of this module is for you to familiarize yourself with hydrocyclone adjustments.  Specifically, you will learn how to:

  • Select the diameter of the hydrocyclone apex to handle the slurry flow rate to underflow at an acceptable % solids and discharge pattern.
  • Characterize the relationships between hydrocyclone feed pressure, capacity, and number of operating units.
  • Characterize the relationships between the corrected cut-size, dimensions, and feed conditions of hydrocyclone installations in both open and closed circuit.

The estimated time to complete this module is 4 hours.

The objective of this module is for you to become familiar with slurry pumping systems.  You will learn how to obtain the desired performance from these systems by learning how to:

  • Evaluate the elements of the total dynamic head of a pumping system.
  • Specify required adjustments to slurry pumps to achieve desired capacity and head.

The estimated time to complete this module is 4 hours.

In this module, you will find a summary of the existing and required information you need on the grinding circuit in your plant to achieve improvements in grinding performance.  In particular, you will learn how to compile relevant existing data on grinding circuits and identify the data required from grinding circuit surveys.

This module is relatively short.  However, you will spend considerable time compiling information on the grinding circuit(s) in your plant for further use.  If you read this module attentively, information searching will be more productive, and you won’t waste time looking for information you don’t need.

If you are a metallurgist, you should have completed the following modules before completing this one:

  • Introduction to the Metcom System
  • Power and Charge Level Measurements
  • Functional Performance of Ball Milling
  • Grinding and Plant Economics
  • Hydrocyclone Performance
  • Slurry Pumping

If you are a technician, you should have completed the first module listed; you may have completed some or all of the other modules.

The estimated time to complete this module is 1 hour.

The objective of this module is for you to learn how to design and execute grinding circuit surveys in your plant in order to meet the requirements of the Metcom System. Specifically, you will learn how to: 

  • Plan and make all the detailed preparations in the plant for grinding circuit surveys.
  • Identify the required instrumentation and make preparations for all required instrument readings. 
  • Select and prepare all sampling point locations. 
  • Design survey data sheets.
  • Design, test, and utilize sample cutters.
  • Successfully execute rod mill and ball mill circuit surveys. 

The prerequisite modules to this one are “Introduction to the Metcom System” and “Existing and Required Data”. The estimated time to complete this module is 2 hours.

In this module you will learn how to handle and analyse ore and slurry samples.  At the end of this module you will be able to:

  • Determine the % solids by weight of slurry samples.
  • Prepare samples for further analysis.
  • Divide samples.
  • Conduct size analyses.
  • Calculate size distributions.
  • Plot sieve analysis results.
  • Calculate the 80% passing size, K80, of a sample.
  • Determine solids density.

There is no prerequisite to this module.  To complete the exercises, you will need a calculator that can perform logarithmic calculations. The estimated time to complete this module is 3.5 hours.

The objective of this module is to introduce you to grindability testing. You will learn how to select the appropriate test for your needs.

At the end of this module you will be able to:

  • Identify and differentiate between Bond locked-cycle and single batch grindability tests.
  • Identify the two types of Bond work index tests.
  • Identify the two types of batch grindability tests.
  • Select the grindability test and source of the test sample to meet specific needs.

There is one prerequisite to this module: "Introduction to the Metcom System". The estimated time to complete this module is 1 hour.

The objective of this module is for you to be able to perform Bond rod mill and ball mill grindability tests.

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • Identify the apparatus for rod mill and ball mill tests and operate them correctly.
  • Select the test control size.
  • Prepare the test feed from the sample you collected.
  • Calculate the test feed characteristics.
  • Determine test parameters.
  • Perform the work index tests.
  • Calculate the grindability and Bond work index of the test feed.

The prerequisite to performing the Bond tests is the module entitled "Sample Handling and Analysis". The estimated time to complete this module is 2.5 hours.

In this module, you will learn how to design and perform on-site batch grindability tests.

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • Distinguish between two types of batch tests.
  • Select an appropriate lab-scale mill, mill rotational speed, and grinding media charge.
  • Determine batch test parameters.
  • Prepare test feed samples.
  • Perform batch tests.
  • Determine the batch grindability of samples on site.
  • Approximate the Bond ball mill work index of samples on site.

This module differs slightly from the other modules.  Once you have completed it, you will move on to the lab and the module will become your "workbook". The estimated time to complete this module is 3.5 hours.

In this module you will learn how to mass balance grinding circuit survey data using the Metcom Mass Balance Computer Program.

The prerequisite to this module is the module entitled “Plant Sampling Guide and Circuit Surveys”. The estimated time to complete this module is 1 hour.

Once you have completed this module you will be able to evaluate existing and alternative rod mill circuit design and operating variables in terms of their effects on rod mill grinding efficiency.

In particular, you will learn:

  • About the factors which influence rod mill power draw and grinding efficiency.
  • How to use the data from a rod mill circuit survey for rod mill grinding performance analysis.

Before doing this module, you should have completed the following ones:

The estimated time to complete this module is 2 hours.

Once you have completed this module, you will be able to evaluate existing and alternative ball mill circuit design and operating variables in terms of their effects on the classification system efficiency of a ball mill circuit.

In particular, you will learn:

  • A strategy for making adjustments to the classification system of a ball mill circuit based on the functional performance equation.
  • How to select hydrocyclone process design characteristics in order to improve classification system efficiency.
  • How to estimate the increase in classification system efficiency that you will achieve from specific adjustments to the classification system.

The prerequisites to this module are the following:

  • "Functional Performance of Ball Milling" (Module 5)
  • "Hydrocyclone Performance" (Module 7)
  • "Hydrocyclone Adjustments" (Module 8)
  • "Slurry Pumping" (Module 9)

In addition to the above prerequisites, see “Grinding and Plant Economics” (Module 6) to determine the economic benefits of increased classification system efficiency. The estimated time to complete this module is 2.5 hours.

Once you have completed this module, you will be able to evaluate existing and alternative ball mill circuit design and operating variables in terms of their effects on ball mill grinding efficiency.  In particular, you will be able to:

  • Identify the most important design and operating variables in terms of ball mill grinding efficiency.
  • Estimate the most suitable ball mill feed water addition rate for your mill(s).
  • Calculate the make-up size* of grinding media to use, as well as assess the potential advantage of multi-size charging.

Before beginning this module, you should complete the following ones:

  • "Introduction to the Metcom System"
  • "Rod and Ball Mill Power Draw"
  • "Functional Performance of Ball Milling"
  • "Grinding and Plant Economics"
  • "Hydrocyclone Adjustments"
  • "Evaluation of Circuit Classification"

The estimated time to complete this module is 2 hours.

Once you have completed this module, you will be able to evaluate existing and alternative grinding circuit arrangements in terms of their effect on grinding circuit efficiency.

In particular you will learn:

  • The relative advantages/disadvantages of selecting a rod mill versus a ball mill for the first stage of grinding following the crushing plant.
  • The relative advantages/disadvantages of ball mill grinding to a desired product size in one versus two stages of grinding.
  • How to identify and estimate the potential advantage of adjusting the grind size between stages of grinding.
  • The relative advantages/disadvantages of using two-stages of hydrocycloning in a closed ball milling circuit.

Before doing this module, be sure you have previously completed:

  • Introduction to the Metcom System”
  • “Rod and Ball Mill Power Draw”
  • “Work Index Efficiency”
  • “Functional Performance of Ball Milling”
  • “Grinding and Plant Economics”
  • “Evaluation of Rod Milling”
  • “Evaluation of Circuit Classification”
  • “Evaluation of Ball Mill Grinding”

The estimated time to complete this module is 4 hours.

This module covers many aspects of grinding circuit control. Specifically, you will learn how to:

  • Define grinding circuit control objectives.
  • Identify grinding process disturbances and select suitable corrective actions.
  • Specify a control system for a conventional grinding circuit.
  • Estimate the economic benefits of improved grinding process control.

The prerequisite modules are:

  • "Introduction to the Metcom System"
  • "Functional Performance of Ball Milling"
  • "Grinding and Plant Economics"
  • "Hydrocyclone Adjustments"

The estimated time to complete this module is 2 hours.

This module will present to you the Metcom methodology for AG/SAG circuit processing performance evaluation and improvement.

When you have completed this module, you will be able to:

  • Calculate the approximate power draw of AG/SAG mills given basic design and operating conditions. (Preface 1)
  • Determine volumetric loading of an AG/SAG mill, and the relationship between power draw and volumetric loading of ore and balls. (Preface 2)
  • Determine the Work Index efficiency of AG/SAG – ball mill circuits, as well as that of each stage of these circuits. (Preface 3)
  • Define and use terminology specific to AG/SAG; outline common circuit arrangements; and describe two key findings from early development of AG/SAG technology.
  • Describe and utilize a ‘framework’ for evaluating AG/SAG circuit performance.
  • List circuit design and operating variables and describe experts’ recommendations regarding each.
  • Plan and conduct evaluations of your circuit using the methods presented and following the examples provided.

The estimated time to complete this module is 4 hours.