Investigation of classification alternatives for grinding circuits

ABSTRACT In the present work, the performance of a silica sand grinding circuit was evaluated. Detailed classification tests were performed using a laboratory scale teetered bed separator (TBS) in a grinding circuit to evaluate the possibilities of using one instead of a cyclone. Mathematical models were used to simulate and compare size classification efficiencies of an actual cyclone and a TBS. According to simulation results, TBS gave a better separation efficiency and lower bypass. Significant decrease in circulating load was achieved to obtain very similar product quality. Mill ball load can be reduced from 35 per cent to 30 per cent according to simulation results. This modification reduces specific energy consumption of the ball mill by approximately 10%. The TBS can be used as an alternative and more efficient classifier to further improve the classification efficiency of close circuit grinding operations.