Energy-Mass-Size balance model for dynamic control of a wet open circuit grinding mill: Part II–Simulation tests

Abstract

A simple dynamic model combining energy balance and population balance has been utilized to assess the dynamic response of the mill to changes in mill operational parameters for purpose of establishing a predictive control tool. The manipulated parameters are feed rate, feed % solids and ore hardness index while the response variables are mill power draw, mill temperature and mill product size distribution (d80). The results demonstrate a good dynamic response of the model to variations in mill operational parameters. Thus, the model could be integrated in the overall mill control scheme to assist mill operators and process engineers in timely decisions with regard to mill control.