Abstract
This paper focuses on the use of a numerical tool known as the discrete element method (DEM) to study the motion of ball charge in ball mills. DEM is employed to simulate the motion of individual balls. While doing so, the effect of liner design on the grinding performance of the mill is studied. Two important factors, such as the configuration of the liner and the geometry of the lifting surfaces, are correlated with the overall mill performance. An attempt is made to show the effectiveness of the lifter bars in transmitting power from the mill, shell to the interior of the mill with particular emphasis on large diameter mills.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Fuerstenau, D.W., and Abouzeid, A.Z.M., 1985, “Scale-up of lifters in ball mills,” International Journal of Mineral Processing, Vol. 15, p. 183.
Hill, J.V., 1982, “Performance study of Wagner-biro ASL line system at Pinto Valley,” Preprint of paper presented at SME-AIME Annual Meeting, Dallas, TX.
Howat, D.D., 1983, “Reduction in metal consumption by the use of alternating lines of higher and lower lifter bars in a rod mill.” Technical report M97, Council of Mineral Technology, Randberg.
Howat, D.D., and Vermeulen, L.A., 1986, “The design of linings for rotary mills: A major factor in the throughput and consumption of energy and metal,” Journal of South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Vol. 7, p. 251.
Korpi, P.A., and Dopson, G.W., 1982, “Angular spiral lining systems in wet grinding grate discharge ball mills,” Mining Engineering, Vol. 34, p. 57.
McIvor, R.E., 1983, “Effect of speed and liner configuration on ball mill performance,” Mining Engineering, Vol. 7, p. 67.
Mishra, B.K., 1991, “Study of media mechanics in tumbling mills by the discrete element method,” Ph.D. thesis, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.
Moller, T.K., and Brough, R., 1989, “Optimizing the performance of a rubber lined mill,” Mining Engineering, Vol. 41, p. 849.
Myers, J.F., and Lewis, F.M., 1946, “Fine crushing in a rod mill at the Tennessee Copper Company — Plant and laboratory data,” Trans. AIME, Vol. 169, p. 106.
Myers, J.F., 1953, “Defining the scope of the open circuit rod in comminution,” Recent Developments in Mineral Processing, IMM Bulletin.
Rose, H.E., and Sullivan, R.M.E., 1958, Ball, Tube and Rod Mills, Chemical Publishing Co., New York.
Vermeulen, L.A., and Howat, D.D., 1988, “Effect of lifter bars on the motion of en-masse grinding media in milling,” International Journal of Mineral Processing, p. 143.
Vermeulen, L.A., 1985, “The lifting action of lifter bars in rotary mills,” Journal of South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Vol. 2, p. 21.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
SME preprint 92-184, SME Annual Meeting, Feb. 24–27, 1992, Phoenix, AZ.
M&MP paper 92-607. Discussion of this peer-reviewed and approved paper is invited and must be submitted, in duplicate, prior to Aug. 31, 1993.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mishra, B.K., Rajamani, R.K. Numerical simulation of charge motion in ball mills — Lifter bar effect. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 10, 86–90 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403005
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403005