Charactarization of Single Particle Breakage for Improved Energy Efficiency in Comminution

Other conference contribution, 2023

Investigation of the microprocess related to particle fracture is an elementary step for designing and improving size reduction techniques. Considering the particular case of comminution devices relying on compression breakage, a number of bench-scale uniaxial compression-testing methods have been used to establish relationships between different particle arrangements and breakage behaviour. Nevertheless, understanding is still lacking of the breakage efficiency threshold of single-particle breakage when stressing particles individually or in a single-layer with different proportion of particles that may interfere as they fragment. For example, the single particle breakage mode is of relevance for several different crusher types.

This work investigates single-particle breakage behaviour of a polymetallic ore under slow compression when stressing particles individually up to a single-layer full of particles. 

A methodology is presented which reveals the breakage characteristics, force and energy response during compression.