Abstract
Mathematical models of particle size distribution (PSD) are necessary in the modelling and simulation of comminution circuits. In order to evaluate the application of the Swebrec PSD model (SWEF) in the grinding circuit at the Punta Gorda Ni-Co plant, a sampling campaign was carried out with variations in the operating parameters. Subsequently, the fitting of the data to the Gates-Gaudin-Schumann (GGS), Rosin-Rammler (RRS) and SWEF PSD functions was evaluated under statistical criteria. The fitting of the evaluated distribution models showed that these functions are characterized as being sufficiently accurate, as the estimation error does not exceed 3.0% in any of the cases. In the particular case of the Swebrec function, reproducibility for all the products is high. Furthermore, its estimation error does not exceed 2.7% in any of the cases, with a correlation coefficient of the ratio between experimental and simulated data greater than 0.99.
Highlights
The particle size distribution (PSD) in granular materials is one of the quality indicators of many transformation processes
The aim of the present study is to present the potential advantages of applying the Swebrec (SWEF)
A simplified closed circuit scheme of lateritic ore comminution similar to that used in the grinding plant at the Punta Gorda nickel processing plant is presented in [19,20]
Summary
The particle size distribution (PSD) in granular materials is one of the quality indicators of many transformation processes. In the particular case of mining, it is a measure of effectiveness [1] from blasting operations through to comminution. It is a crucial element of control in the processing of materials. In the specific case of the Punta Gorda milling plant (Moa, Cuba), P80 governs the quality of the final product, together with P95 and P70, product sizes which should correspond to 149 μm, 74 μm and 44 μm, respectively. The Punta Gorda industrial plant processes lateritic minerals from deposits in northeastern Cuba by means of the ammonium-carbonate technology to obtain nickel and cobalt concentrates. Grinding plays an important role in this technological context, ensuring an adequate contact surface of the ore to allow the reduction of nickel and cobalt to their metallic phases and the subsequent solution of these elements in the leaching process [2,3,4,5]
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