Fit-for-Purpose VSI Modelling Framework for Process Simulation

Simon Grunditz,Magnus Evertsson,Erik Hulthén,Gauti Asbjörnsson

doi:10.3390/min11010040

Simon Grunditz, Magnus Evertsson + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/min11010040

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Journal: Minerals	Publication Date: Dec 31, 2020
Citations: 3	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Chalmers University of Technology

Abstract

The worldwide shortage of natural sand has created a need for improved methods to create a replacement product. The use of vertical shaft impact (VSI) crushers is one possible solution, since VSI crushers can create particles with a good aspect ratio and smooth surfaces for use in different applications such as in construction. To evaluate the impact a VSI crusher has on the process performance, a more fit-for-purpose model is needed for process simulations. This paper aims to present a modelling framework to improve particle breakage prediction in VSI crushers. The model is based on the theory of energy-based breakage behavior. Particle collision energy data are extracted from discrete element method (DEM) simulations with particle velocities, i.e., rotor speed, as the input. A selection–breakage approach is then used to create the particle size distribution (PSD). For each site, the model is trained with two datasets for the PSDs at different VSI rotor tip speeds. This allows the model to predict the product output for different rotor tip speeds beyond the experimental configurations. A dataset from 24 different sites in Sweden is used for training and validating the model to showcase the robustness of the model. The model presented in this paper has a low barrier for implementation suitable for trying different speeds at existing sites and can be used as a replacement to a manual testing approach.

Highlights

IntroductionFramework for Process Simulation.The increased infrastructure development of society has been accompanied by an increase in the use of natural materials for construction [1]
Framework for Process Simulation.The increased infrastructure development of society has been accompanied by an increase in the use of natural materials for construction [1]
Several previous studies and experiments [17] provide the basis to understand the role of particle size and impact energy on the breakage of the particular materials studied

Summary

Introduction

Framework for Process Simulation.The increased infrastructure development of society has been accompanied by an increase in the use of natural materials for construction [1]. The usefulness of sand in creating quality concrete products has led to the erosion of numerous coastlines caused by aggressive sand dredging [2]. Some governments such as Sweden are trying to incentivize new approaches with increased taxes to minimize the use of natural sand along with limiting permits for existing deposits. The main attributes sought after in natural sand particles are sphericity and high volume-to-surface ratio. These attributes minimize the use of cement in the concrete mixes and lead to desirable rheology for pouring [5]

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