Researchers are working to improve the comminution process to achieve energy efficiency and satisfactory presentation of feed for downstream processing.
Comminution, combined with physical separation, is the typical first stage in extracting minerals from ores.
Good design of comminution plants, both for energy efficiency and presentation of feed to downstream processing, is vital for the minerals industry.
What CSIRO is doing
CSIRO has been involved in comminution research and development with industry since the early 1960s.
Over this period we have developed an extensive database of the comminution performance of various ores on a size-by-mineral basis.
This data has been incorporated into mathematical models which underpin much of our work.
Our researchers are investigating the potential of stirred mills for various grinding applications.
Our research focuses on:
-
characterising ore and process streams
-
optimising processes
-
integrating comminution stages
-
predicting comminution requirements
-
improving energy efficiency.
Current research
Our researchers are investigating the use of stirred mills for fine and ultra-fine grinding.
These mills use small grinding media and operate with a set of stirrers rotating at high speeds.
High-intensity agitation action energises small grinding media and generates compressional and torsional forces that are very efficient for breaking micron-sized particles.
Stirred mills could potentially be used in coarse grinding applications.
Using small mills avoids over-grinding heavier minerals in the mill feed and takes advantage of the stirred mill’s higher energy efficiency compared to ball mills.
Dry fine-grinding processes, with the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption and the cost of subsequent beneficiation processes, are also being investigated.
Find out more about Improving mineral beneficiation.
Site Map | Legal Notice and Disclaimer | Privacy | Copyright | Last updated: 8 October 2007
