Discrete Particle Simulation of Particle Flow in a Stirred Mill: Effect of Mill Properties and Geometry

Abstract

Particle flow in a stirred mill was modeled using discrete element method, focusing on the effect of mill properties and stirrer configurations, such as particle-wall friction, the size of disc holes, distance between stirrers, and stirrer shape, on the flow properties of grinding media. The flow properties were analyzed in terms of velocity field, porosity distribution, collision frequency, collision energy, impact energy, and power draw. The results indicate that although particle-wall sliding friction coefficient affects the energy transfer from discs to particles, too high a sliding friction may lead to a decrease in energy efficiency. The distance between discs significantly affects the circulation of grinding media between discs. Among the different stirrer types considered, energy transfer is more effective when disc holes are present. Pin stirrer shows increased grinding rates which also results in relatively high power consumption. Although different collision environments exist with different stirrer types, it is shown that the grinding rate can be determined by the first-order kinetics where the rate constant is dependent on the impact energy, for a given material. Grinding efficiency has been compared for different grinding materials under different operating conditions. The results suggest that selection of stirrer geometry also depends on the feed size and the type of material to be ground. Discussion has also been made of the usefulness of particle scale information in the design and control of stirred mills of different types.