Streamlining Classification System Optimization

Measuring and improving ball mill grinding efficiency can be a daunting undertaking. The complex interactions between the mill, the classifiers, and the pumping system require a systematic approach. This approach must also encompass the variations in ore properties and operating conditions, all within the confines of the equipment’s limitations. For more than three decades, Functional Performance Analysis of Ball Milling has offered a distinctive and potent means to tackle this complex challenge. This systematic approach empowers those charged with this task the capability to analyze and address the multifaceted aspects of ball mill circuit performance, enabling them to achieve their optimization goals effectively. A new tool has recently emerged and is built on the solid foundation of Functional Performance Analysis and in particular CSE (Classification System Efficiency).

Metcom’s Streamline Ball Mill Circuit Modeling program uses real-world plant survey data to construct a ball mill size reduction model. Classifier separation performance is characterized using size-by-size recoveries. And,  unlike many other computer modeling programs, Streamline also takes into consideration the capability of the pumping system, often cited as the primary constraint for most ball mill circuits. This easy-to-construct circuit model perfectly replicates the circuit survey size distributions and mass flows. The pump and cyclone performances can then be adjusted using the provided step-by-step procedures to maximize CSE,  the optimization metric.

Part I of the workshop will provide participants with a fundamental understanding of:

•             Functional Performance Analysis of Ball Milling

•             CSE (Classification System Efficiency)

•             The Cumulative Grinding Rate size reduction model

•             Hydrocyclone Performance

•             Slurry Pumping Systems

These topics will lay the groundwork for the introduction of the Streamline Ball Mill Circuit Modeling program in Part II. Participants will be provided with a working copy of the software and real-world survey data and the following will be covered:

•             Entering plant survey data

•             Performing a Circuit Mass Balance

•             Estimating the classifier bypass fraction

•             Understanding and exploiting the pumping system capabilities

•             Understanding the cumulative grinding rate mill model

•             Steps for CSE improvements

•             Building Trial Model Scenarios

•             Evaluating Trial Model Scenarios against equipment constraints.

Participants will then be tasked with developing their own trial model scenarios to achieve various circuit optimization goals such as:

•             Increasing the circuit throughput

•             Achieving a finer circuit product size (P80)

•             Reducing the mill power consumption

Participants will require a laptop running Windows 10 or higher and a current version of Microsoft Excel.

Date / Time : Monday January 22nd, 9:00AM – 12:00 PM

Location: The Westin Ottawa, 4th Floor, Ottawa, ON, Canada

Instructor: Omar M. Arafat

Workshop fee: $350.00 CND

All costs include breakfast, lunch, coffee breaks and course materials.  Attendance is limited, please register early.

( Select Short Course 1 when registering for the conference )