High-pressure grinding rolls: model validation and function parameters dependency on process conditions

Abstract A model for High Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR) was developed in this work based on the widely used Population Balance Model (PBM). This approach uses a variety of different functions one of which is the breakage distribution function. The methodology to determine the function parameters is presented and using these values, the model was compared with real processed materials from an HPGR pilot plant, with tungsten ore as the test material. The results of the model parameter determination, and the product of the comminution in the HPGR, showed the dependency of material breakage on the material characteristics, and on the operative and process conditions. The model presented is reasonably robust, showing less error than the 3.0 Root Mean Square Error when compared with a heterogeneous feed particle size distribution material. The operational gap was also studied, and its dependency on the feed particle size, porosity, moisture, and specific pressing force was proven.