Breakage Characterization of Grinding Media Based on Energy Consumption and Particle Size Distribution: Hexagons versus Cylpebs

The grinding performance of hexagon grinding media particles has been compared with that of cylpebs grinding media particles. A batch grinding test was conducted using equal masses of hexagons and cylpebs. The particle size distribution and energy consumption during grinding of the ground product were analyzed, and the relationships among the specific surface area, bulk density, energy consumption, and t10 value are discussed. Under the same grinding conditions, the grinding capacity of hexagons was inferior to that of cylpebs. However, as the particle size of the feed became finer, the grinding effect of hexagons became more apparent. At the same time, the qualified particles content in the ground product was higher when using hexagons than when using cylpebs. The relationship between the specific surface area and energy consumption during grinding was consistent with the regular pattern of grinding fineness and energy consumption. In addition, the bulk density of minerals decreases with an increase in grinding energy. The same conclusion was obtained when −0.425 mm tungsten ore was used as a sample for validation. The flotation experiment result has carried out that hexagons as grinding media have a better flotation indicator than cylpebs in the same grinding fineness. It is demonstrated that although the grinding capacity of hexagons is inferior to that of cylpebs, less overgrinding occurs when using hexagons than when using cylpebs. For tungsten ore grinding, hexagons act as a finer grinding media than cylpebs.