A simulation study of sulphur grindability in a batch ball mill

Abstract

Grinding tests were performed using a laboratory batch ball mill to investigate the grindability of pure sulphur and examine the influence of selected grinding parameters (slurry concentration, grinding time, wetting agent solution strength, and mass of solid) on the process. Experiments were conducted in accordance with the Box–Wilson experimental design method, and the grinding data obtained were used to establish mathematical models and set up a computer simulation program. Results have indicated that the highest grinding rates would be achieved with a slurry concentration of 70 wt.% solid and a wetting agent [sodium lignosulphonate (SL)] solution strength of 7.5%, but the right combination of solid mass and grinding time would need to be selected based on the product size required. Particle size distributions were represented by a modified Rosin–Rammler–Bennett (RRB) function, which provided an excellent fit to the measured size analysis data.